An English porcelain Dessert Tureen and Cover, possibly Chamberlain Worcester, circa 1815
This small tureen and cover would have held either cream or sugar for dessert, the most eagerly anticipated course of a Regency dinner. The hole in the cover would have supported the spoon or sugar sifter.
The richly patterned decoration clearly reflects the Regency taste for oriental design, prevalent in Britain between the years 1811-20. The red, green and yellow enamels, underglaze blue, and rich gilding demonstrates the influence of Japanese Imari wares. A wonderfully European touch is the knop, taking the form of a basket of fruit and flowers, and the two handles modelled as shells.
Condition: This item has rather charming riveted repairs to cracks on the base, the iron staples being antiques in their own right! There is staining and crazing to the glaze with one or two tiny nicks and losses, and some wear to the gilt line around the foot rim. A well-loved item that displays beautifully.
Dimensions: Length (from handle to handle) 19.5 cm; Height (to top of knop) 12 cm