18th C. Chinese Export Famille Rose Armorial Creamer – Stuart

Chinese export porcelain armorial creamer, circa 1795.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 4⅝” tall.

Decoration: 
The neck is decorated with a gilt edged blue band.
 
The body is decorated with an accollee coat of arms of two shields, one bearing the initials AES and the other the arms of Stuart. Both are beneath a demi lion rampant crest.
 
Lower on the body is a narrow gold and blue chain band.
 
The intertwined strap handles are attached with applied berries.
 
The base is unmarked.
 
This creamer (or another creamer from the same service) is illustrated in Howard, “Chinese Armorial Porcelain”, Vol. 2, at page 608.
 
Accollee English armorials are unusual. There is uncertainty as to which member of the family acquires this service, although it is possible that it was Archibald Stuart, third brother of the 3rd Earl of Bute, English Prime Minister in the 1760’s.
 
Condition: Roughness to the foot, loss of gilding and minor staining on handles, age separation at base of handles; otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage.