Lot Essay
It has been widely believed that this design is from a service made for Madame de Pompadour on the grounds that her maiden name was Poisson and that the eagle represented King Louis XV. However, as David Howard and John Ayers point out, op.cit., vol. II, no.449, p.443, this is highly unlikely, since she would not have agreed to a reference to her low-born name, once in power. It is most probable however that this service was made for the French market, especially considering that this rather unusual palette is reminiscent of French faience. Other pieces from this service are illustrated by D. Howard, op.cit., no.76, pp 88 and 89 for a saucer-dish from the Hodroff Collection, M. Beurdeley, op.cit. cat.190, p.194 for a pot-pourri vase from the Louis de Chollet Collection, Paris, and J. G. Phillips, op.cit., pl.20, p.89 for a tureen and cover from the Helena Woolworth McCann Collection
This design can also be found in blue and white, an example of which has been included in this sale as lot 78
This design can also be found in blue and white, an example of which has been included in this sale as lot 78