• Worcester Eloping Bride pattern
  • Worcester Eloping Bride pattern
  • Worcester Eloping Bride pattern
  • Worcester Eloping Bride pattern
  • Worcester Eloping Bride pattern
  • Worcester Eloping Bride pattern
  • Worcester Eloping Bride pattern
  • Worcester Eloping Bride pattern
  • Worcester spoon tray

A rare Worcester Spoon Tray, circa 1765-68

This rare Worcester spoon tray is finely painted in underglaze blue with the Eloping Bride pattern. The pattern depicts a horse with two riders, one of whom is an archer. They are accompanied by four attendants, three of them carrying banners. A central panel contains a single figure holding a sword. The underside rim is painted with Daoist Precious Things, including a mirror (Jìng) representing unbroken conjugal happiness; a pearl (Zhū) representing fulfilment of wishes; and a pair of books (Shū) symbolising learning and intellectual pursuit.

Pseudo-Chinese character mark within a double oval.

This design is based on a Kangxi original dating from the late 17th century. The Chinese design depicts a hunting party with two riders on horseback and attendants with fluttering banners. In contrast, the Worcester artist depicts just one horse ridden by two people, hence the name for the pattern, and the banners have been totally misunderstood as they are now represented by a strange cog-stick device.

Provenance: The Paul Zeisler Collection, Albert Amor, 1986; Phillips, 6 June 2001, lot 293; The Pauline and David Tate Collection.

This spoon tray would make an attractive addition to any collection of rare blue and white Worcester. 

Condition: There is a tiny nick to the foot rim. No cracks or restoration.

Dimensions: Length 12.5 cm

Worcester Blue and White Porcelain 1751-1790, Branyan, French & Sandon (Barrie & Jenkins, 1989).

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