A Mennecy-Villeroy Knife, circa 1740
The cannon-shape haft is painted in distinctive turquoise, red, yellow and blue colours with chinoiserie vignettes, including pagodas, flowers, and two figures holding parasols. One figure stands on a raised platform, whilst the other bows low before him. The curious perspective echoes that of Chinese compositions, whilst the colours evoke the Japanese Kakiemon palette. Fitted with a silver ferrule and cap, and a steel blade of French type.
Provenance: An English Private Collection.
Condition: There may be an area of restoration to part of the haft, closest to the ferrule. There is wear to the enamel decoration from use.
Dimensions: Length 22.1 cm (including blade)
French Porcelain: A Catalogue of the British Museum Collection, Aileen Dawson (British Museum Press, 2000).
French Porcelain of the Eighteenth Century, Christopher Maxwell (V&A Publishing, 2009).