"A Chinese Export Porcelain Armorial Charger circa 1703-1705

Decorated with the arms of Pitt, underside with double ring in underglaze blue with additional mark.

(Dia: 17 in.)

Provenance

From direct descendants of the Pitt family.
Christopher M. Weld collection.
Heirloom & Howard Ltd., Wiltshire, England.
Acquired directly from the above in 2017.
Property of the late Gerry Lenfest, Gladwyne.

Footnote:

Note

This charger is attributed to a documentary service with the arms of Pitt, one of the three earliest Chinese pieces decorated with British arms and the first true service of plates and dishes. Made for Thomas 'Diamond' Pitt, notorious rebel private trader in India and later East India Company Governor of St. George, Madras, whose son, Thomas Pitt Lord Londonderry, and grandson, William Pitt the Elder, Earl of Chatham and Prime Minister, both had fine and unique services. This extant piece was passed down through the family until the late 20th century.

For example with similar pattern and the same armorial, see Sotheby's, New York, February 2, 2019, lot 724.

Literature

David Sanctuary Howard, Chinese Armorial Porcelain (Faber & Faber, 1974), Vol. 1, p. 176, and in color p. 114.
Angela Howard, 'The Pitt Services: Porcelain for a Political Dynasty,' American Circle Journal, Vol. 18, pp. 50-81, similar dish illustrated p. 54.

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