Images(2)

Tureen, one of a pair

Date1753-1758

Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory 1745-1769

OriginEngland, London

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsH: 3 1/2"; L: 5 1/2"; W: 3 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-315,1A&B

DescriptionTureen and cover naturalistically modeled in the form of a partridge with its head turned to the left; the top half of the bird forms the cover. The bird is decorated in overglaze enamel colors, the feathers painted in manganese, the head and throat red, and the bill black and white. Around the middle of the base are applied sprigs in green and manganese representing the nest and loose feathers.

Red anchor period.Label TextMore than a hundred of these miniature tureens in the shape of nesting partridges were sold in the 1755 Chelsea sale, always in pairs. They were sometimes described as being "for desart."

Made in large quantities and yet painted individually, each base had to receive its proper cover. Accordingly, when the decorator was adding the red anchor mark, he placed a numeral on the interior of the bowl and a corresponding number on the side of its cover. Thus the two pieces could be easily reassembled after they had been separated for the last firing.Inscription(s)"No 27" painted in red on interior of tureen. Anchor and "No 27" painted in red on interior of lid.Mark(s)NoneProvenanceCharles Woollett & Son, London