plate BM-Franks.1414

Period:Qing dynasty Production date:1755-1775 (circa)
Materials:porcelain
Technique:glazed, painted,
Subjects:equestrian
Dimensions:Diameter: 21.80 centimetres

Description:
‘Famille rose’ plate with the motto and emblem of an English patriotic society. This octagonal plate was made for the same society as BM Franks. 1415, but belonged to a different service. It is similarly painted with a pseudo-armorial panel among plumes and floral sprays depicting the patron saint of England, St. George, but here in Roman costume dating to his lifetime (c. 3rd to 4th century AD). He is riding a white charger, brandishing a sword and holding a circular shield, while his lance is in mid-air. The horse is trampling underfoot a shield with French ‘fleurs-de-lis’. Above this panel is a crest representing Britannia, leaning against a shield with British colours, holding an olive branch and a spear, with a ribbon bearing the motto ‘ST GEONGE (sic.) AND OLD ENGLAND’ below. Beneath the medallion are two clasped hands.
IMG


Comments:Harrison-Hall and Krahl 1994:This pseudo-armorial emblem, like that of BM Franks. 1415, belongs to the patriotic Anti-Gallican Society who endeavoured to promote English business and discourage trade with France. This plate is probably slightly later in date than the cup and may have been commissioned after 1756, when the start of the Seven Years’ War caused nationalism and support for the Society to increase again. The two clasped hands may represent the alliance of England and Prussia during the Seven Years’ War (Howard and Ayers, 1978, vol. I, p. 243). Other pieces from the same service include a plate in the Mottahedeh collection (Howard and Ayers, 1978, vol. I, pl. 239); another plate in the China Trade Museum, Milton, Massachusetts, U.S.A. (Milton, 1982, no. 85); and a platter in the Hervouet collection (Sotheby’s Monaco, 22nd June 1987, lot 1687); for other services ordered by the Society, BM Franks. 1415.