Lot Essay
Cf. G.E. Bryant, The Chelsea Porcelain Toys (London, 1925), pl. 35, fig. 20 and pl. 36, fig. 17 for the first; and pl. 42, fig. 3 for the third.
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VARIOUS DATES, CIRCA 1755-65
Details
FIVE GILT-METAL-MOUNTED PORCELAIN SEALS
VARIOUS DATES, CIRCA 1755-65
Comprising:
A Chelsea seal modelled as Cupid holding billing doves above a bird cage, on a mound base inscribed in iron-red JE LES Y METTRAY, the hardstone seal intaglio engraved with a crest and coat-of-arms (seal cracked)
Another, of 'Girl-in-a-Swing' type modelled as a masked female figure wearing a flowered apron and striped skirt, on a mound inscribed in iron-red TOUJOURS GAY, the seal intaglio engraved with a ship (minute chipping to edge of seal)
A seal modelled as a smoking chinaman, Chelsea or Derby, the hardstone seal intaglio engraved with a Continental coat-of-arms (lower part restored)
Another, probably 'Girl-in-a-Swing', modelled as a female figure emblematic of Hope, seated above an anchor on a mound inscribed in iron-red J'ESPERE ENCOR (her neck restored, minor chipping to edge of base and one tip of anchor)
Another, of 'Girl-in-a-swing' type, modelled as Columbine, masked and holding a slap-stick, wearing a multi-coloured jacked, flowered skirt, the underside painted with a caillouté pattern (small areas of wear to enamels, minute chip to edge of base)
The first 1¼ in. (2.9 cm.) high (5)
VARIOUS DATES, CIRCA 1755-65
Comprising:
A Chelsea seal modelled as Cupid holding billing doves above a bird cage, on a mound base inscribed in iron-red JE LES Y METTRAY, the hardstone seal intaglio engraved with a crest and coat-of-arms (seal cracked)
Another, of 'Girl-in-a-Swing' type modelled as a masked female figure wearing a flowered apron and striped skirt, on a mound inscribed in iron-red TOUJOURS GAY, the seal intaglio engraved with a ship (minute chipping to edge of seal)
A seal modelled as a smoking chinaman, Chelsea or Derby, the hardstone seal intaglio engraved with a Continental coat-of-arms (lower part restored)
Another, probably 'Girl-in-a-Swing', modelled as a female figure emblematic of Hope, seated above an anchor on a mound inscribed in iron-red J'ESPERE ENCOR (her neck restored, minor chipping to edge of base and one tip of anchor)
Another, of 'Girl-in-a-swing' type, modelled as Columbine, masked and holding a slap-stick, wearing a multi-coloured jacked, flowered skirt, the underside painted with a caillouté pattern (small areas of wear to enamels, minute chip to edge of base)
The first 1¼ in. (2.9 cm.) high (5)
Provenance
Otto and Magdalena Blohm Collection
The first, fourth and fifth, sale Sotheby's London, 24th April, 1961, lot 215, 231 and 205
The second and third, sale Sotheby's London, 9th October 1961, lots 459 and 468
Ernesto Blohm Collection, nos. 83 (for the second) and 85 (for the fifth).
The first, fourth and fifth, sale Sotheby's London, 24th April, 1961, lot 215, 231 and 205
The second and third, sale Sotheby's London, 9th October 1961, lots 459 and 468
Ernesto Blohm Collection, nos. 83 (for the second) and 85 (for the fifth).
Literature
G.E. Bryant, The Chelsea Porcelain Toys (London, 1925) pl. 43, fig. 24 (for the second) and pl. 62, fig. 19 (for the fifth).
Special notice
VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium.