18th C. Chinese Export Armorial Sauce Boat – Robertson of Strowan

Chinese export porcelain sauce boat, circa 1780.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 8” long (incl. handle).

Decoration: 
The exterior of the molded body is decorated with a border of bamboo, floral sprays, and swags.
 
The interior has a gilt chain band at the edge and the armorials of Robertson of Strowan in the center.
 
The arms are very complex and contain two mottoes: “Virtutis Gloria Merceds” and “Wise as the Serpent, Harmless as the Dove”.
 
The reverse is unmarked and bears the remnants of old labels.
 
A plate from this service is illustated in Howard, “Chinese Armorial Porcelain”, Vol. 1, at page 391.
According to Howard, this family was the sole remaining branch of the old Scottish royal family of the 11th and 12th centuries.
 
This service was likely made for Colonel Alexander Robertson, who died unmarried in 1822.
 
Condition: Chip to handle, otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage.