A Worcester Knife, circa 1760
This large Worcester pistol-grip knife handle is painted in underglaze blue with the Formal Daisy pattern.
This style of painting with its foliate scrolls and stylised flowers is loosely based on those of French factories, such as Saint-Cloud.
The curved steel blade is attached to the porcelain handle with a silver ferrule.
Provenance: An English Private Collection.
Condition: Excellent – no cracks or restoration, and the well-painted decoration is in the most harmonious shade of blue. The steel blade is sharp but would benefit from a clean.
Dimensions: Length (including blade) 28.5 cm
Worcester Blue and White Porcelain 1751-1790, Branyan, French & Sandon, I.E.43 (Barrie & Jenkins, 1989).
Worcester Porcelain 1751-1790: The Zorensky Collection, Simon Spero & John Sandon (Antique Collectors’ Club, 1996).