Bidspirit auction | Chinese Export Armorial Tea Caddy

Chinese Export Armorial Tea Caddy - Butchers' Co. - Chinese export armorial porcelain tea caddy, Qianlong ca. 1770. With the arms of the Butchers' Company and the names William and Susants Robinson with initial WSR. Gilt spearhead band along the border. Illustrated in Howard, ”Chinese Armorial Porcelain, ” Vol. II, pg. 295. Provenance: Heirloom & Howard Ltd., 31 August 2001; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff. Reference: Howard, ”Chinese Armorial Porcelain, ” Vol. I, pg. 639; Vol. II, pg. 295. Lot Essay: This is one of three known services with these arms, the others lacking initials but bearing the motto of the Company. There is also a punch bowl known for Edward Fischer, admitted to the Freedom of the Company in 1775. Between 1764-94 there are five persons named Robinson (including an Ann and an Eleanor) but there are no recorded William or Susants (or Susan). However, it is possible that it was made for William Robinson, a well-known merchant, who was a Director and a Deputy Governor of the Royal Exchange Assurance Company. Height: 4 3/4 in x diameter: 2 3/4 in. Condition: There are six areas that have been restored to the scrollwork along the base. Three small restored chips to the upper rim; one corresponds to a hairline crack that extends downwards from the upper rim to the center of the body. Light wear to the footrim. Lacking a lid.