This teacup and saucer were made by the English porcelain factory, Worcester, in around 1775 and were decorated with the 'Old Japan Fan' or 'Fan' pattern. This design was inspired by the Japanese pattern, 'Arita', that the Meissen factory applied to a range of Asian-inspired wares. The Fan motif was used on Worcester's full range of tea and dessert ware, and is recognised by its own pseudo oriental mark.

This cup and saucer were manufactured in around 1775 by the Worcester porcelain factory, and were decorated in the popular Imari style. The dry bodies were painted with a blue underglaze and fired. They were then glazed, re-fired and hand painted with enamel colours. They were fired a third time, fusing the colours to the glaze, and gilt details were then applied. The pieces was fired a fourth and final time.

This cup and saucer were transferred to the Powerhouse Museum in 1998 as part of the collection that Annie Maria Gillies (Mrs Sinclair Gillies) bequeathed to the Art Gallery of New South Wales in 1953. This collection consisted of around 191 objects, including important examples of eighteenth-century English furniture and porcelain. The Gallery never accessioned these items, and decided to sell the majority in 1997, transferring a portion to the Powerhouse Museum.

Tea cup and saucer, soaprock porcelain, made by Royal Worcester Porcelain Co Ltd, Worcester, England, c. 1775

A porcelain cup with Imari style decoration. The round body rises from a low foot and terminates with a gilt rim. A small handle is attached to the body and is decorated with a red flower. Around the exterior of the body are three fan patterns in red, green and blue with gilt details. In the centre of the well is a reserved chrysanthemum mons and three blue circles with gilt details.

A white porcelain saucer with Imari style decoration. The round form rises from a short foot and terminates with a gilt rim. Inside the well are three gilt fan patterns in green, red and blue and three blue circles, all with gilt details. In the centre of the well is a reserved chrysanthemum mons. The exterior design is a botanical pattern in blue with two red flowers.

Made: Royal Worcester Porcelain Company Limited; Worcester, England; 1770 - 1780


Used: Art Gallery of New South Wales; Sydney

See part records for details

2005/200/25

1770 - 1780