CIRCA 1815

Details

A CHAMBERLAIN'S WORCESTER ORANGE-GROUND ARMORIAL ICE-PAIL
CIRCA 1815
Of rounded form, the shoulder applied with two handles formed as mermaids holding shells, the front painted with the arms of Auchmuty impaling another above the motto DUM SPIRO SPERO within a circular surround, the reverse and four further heart-shaped cartouches painted and gilt with chinoiserie scenes, all on an orange-ground gilt with flowers and scrolling vine, supported by three addorsed, open-mouthed gilt dolphins on a conforming tripartite base
10¾ in. (27.4 cm.) high

Lot Essay

See Geoffrey A. Godden, Chamberlain-Worcester Porcelain, 1788-1852, London, 1982, p. 124, ill. 126 for an ice-pail of the same form. Godden also notes that 19th century purchasers could add 'common' ice- pails to their services for a sum as low as 2 12s. 6d. They could also obtain ice-pails like the present 'elegant dolphin-supported model', but these could cost up to 21 per pair, depending on the decoration.

Originally from County Fife, the Auchmuty family also had branches at Gossford near Edinburch and in Ireland. Notables from this family include Reverend Samuel Auchmuty, rector of New York, and his son Lietenant General Sir Samuel Auchmuty, G.G.B. who perished about 1812. For a further discussion of this family and their arms, see David Sanctuary Howard, Chinese Armorial Porcelain, London, 1974, p. 965, P16.

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