Bidspirit auction | Large Gilt & Pink Fitzhugh

Large Gilt & Pink Fitzhugh Plate - Large Chinese export plate in a pink ”Fitzhugh” pattern, ca. 1800-10. The center with a gilt landscape of a house and a horse and trap. Provenance: Philip Suval Inc., 21 October 2004; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff. Lot Essay: ”Fitzhugh” is a pattern that can be traced back to the 1770s, featuring a split pomegranate revealing the fruit along with open-winged butterflies, blooming flowers, and trellis or cell patterns. All this generally surrounds a central medallion, usually a coat of arms, an American eagle, or a floral design. While most commonly appearing in underglaze blue, the pattern is also known to appear in sepia, brown, bright green, orange, and pink (as in the present lot). The origin of the name is much-debated. Some attribute it to an American sea captain who favored the design, or an English family, or the president of the select committee of supercargoes at Canton in the 1780s by the name of Thomas Fitzhugh, while others attribute it to a mispronunciation of Fuzhou, a city known for porcelain production. This pattern, though exported throughout most trade routes, was most heavily favored in American markets. By the 19th century, more Fitzhugh pattern porcelain was exported to America than Britain. Perhaps most recognizable is the blue Fitzhugh pattern border around the famous Order of the Cincinnati plates made for George Washington. One such plate is offered in this sale. Diameter: 9 3/4 in. Condition: There are no cracks, chips, or restorations. Very little surface wear primarily consisting of light losses to the gilt along the extreme edges of the rim consistent with handling.