A Worcester sparrow beak Creamer decorated with a version of the Chinese Family pattern, circa 1768-70
This neatly-potted Worcester creamer is decorated with a version of the Chinese Family in which a group of people are gathered around a table and a tall stand. The transfer-printed design, outlined in black, is hand-coloured with overglaze enamels and gilt details. The use of turquoise enamel for the robe worn by the seated figure is rather unusual for this pattern as he is usually represented wearing a green robe. The combination of this pattern with an underglaze blue inner border, as seen here, is also found less frequently than with the simple red crow’s foot border.
Unmarked.
Condition: Excellent – there is no damage or restoration, and the printed and painted decoration is in good order, even down to the tiny touches of gilt applied to represent the jewelled hair ornaments worn by the figures, and also drinking vessels and a bowl. The inner underglaze blue border ran slightly in the kiln, but this is a minor manufacturing flaw.
Dimensions: Height 8.1 cm
Worcester Porcelain 1751-1790: The Zorensky Collection, Simon Spero & John Sandon (Antique Collectors’ Club, 1996).