A RARE FAMILLE ROSE 'LIBERTY' PUNCH BOWL

CIRCA 1770

Details

A RARE FAMILLE ROSE 'LIBERTY' PUNCH BOWL
circa 1770
Enamelled on each side of the exterior with a portait of John Wilkes enclosed in a cartouche, with two supporters, one of whom probably represents Liberty, above the motto ALWAYS READY IN A GOOD CAUSE, below the inscription ARMS OF LIBERTY, beside this portrait is another similar cartouche, a portrait of Lord Mansfield, with two supporters and the motto JUSTICE SANS PITIE, the interior with a flower and fruit cluster below a band of cell-pattern, restored
10 in. (25.5 cm.) diam.

Lot Essay

See D. S. Howard, Chinese Armorial Porcelain, 1974, p.955 for an identical bowl, and where the author points out that these bowls, together with the similar, more commonly found bowls inscribed 'Wilkes and Liberty' are more political than heraldic. John Wilkes (1725-1797) was a popular campaigner for liberty and was elected to Parliament on several occasions. However, he led a wild and dissolute life in private and was expelled from the Commons on as many occasions as he was elected. He also spent time fleeing the country and shortly following his return to England was put in prision. He was however elected Mayor of London in 1774. Lord Mansfield, representing 'The Establishment', was Lord Chief Justice from 1756-1788.

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