Chinese Export Armorial Part Service, late Qianlong Period, c. 1780-90

Five pieces of a Chinese Export Armorial tea service consisting of two plates, saucer, milk jug and sugar basin with lid, each decorated with the coat of arms of a lion rampant with stag crest in black and gold with the motto Grata sume manu – ‘take with a grateful hand’. Further decoration is provided by sparsely spread sparsely spread flowers in imitation of Meissen and Sèvres and dotted wavy lines to the rims. Both jug and bowl have decorative double strap handles.

The crest and coat of arms with a lion with the tail above its head belongs to the Buxton family, although the motto is associated with the Brisco and Winnington baronets. The decoration is typical of the armorial ware being exported from China in the late 18th century. This trade, which reached its peak around 1790 was carried out almost exclusively by the captains and super-cargoes of the East India Company who were permitted a certain amount of private trade. It is estimated that over 50 per cent of all British captains sailing to Canton in the period 1709-1810 ordered armorial services for themselves or their families.

The quality of the painting is exceptionally good, which details picked out in gold. There is a certain amount of rubbing to the enamel, particularly on the jug. The saucer has a chip and some fritting as well as a hairline crack. The jug has a hairline and is missing its lid. The two dishes have a tiny frit that can be felt rather than seen. The sugar basin and lid have no damage.