18th C. Armorial Chinese Export Creamer – Burgess

Chinese export porcelain sparrow beak creamer bearing armorials of Burgess, circa 1785.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 4¾” tall.
 
Decoration: 
The rim is bordered with a gilt chain band, below which is a narrow chain with tiny floral sprays.
 
The front of body is decorated with the armorials of the Burgess family.
 
There are also tiny floral sprays on the sides of the body.
 
The handle is of intertwined straps with molded flowers at the body.
 
There is a gilt chain surrounding the base.
 
The bottom is unmarked.
 
The Burgess family were granted these arms in 1614. 
 
Later the spelling of the name was often changed to Burges. It is possible that this service was made for Captain Henry Burges, who commanded the East Indiaman “Earl of Chesterfield” at Canton in 1793. 
 
This service is illustrated in Howard, “Chinese Armorial Porcelain”, Vol. 2, at page 47.
 
Condition: In excellent condition consistent with age and usage.