Chinese Export Armorial Orange Fitzhugh Tureen – Blair

Chinese export porcelain tureen, circa 1810.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 14” x 11” x 8½” (including handles and knop).
 
Decoration: 
The lid and the body have a border pattern of butterflies with a diaper pattern and Greek keys.
 
The lid and the body also have the typical Fitzhugh decoration of four sprays of chrysanthemums and peonies surrounding a central medallion, which is the case is a heraldic badge that is typical of Scottish heraldic decoration.
 
The badge contains the motto “Souvenie d’un fils respecteau” ("Remembrance of a respectful son") within which are the initials “MB”. Above the badge is a crest in the form of a helmeted head. 
 
The body and lid are decorated with orange overglaze enamel rather than the more typical underglaze blue. 
 
The body has gilded handles and the lid has a gilded knop. 
 
There is a diaper band at the foot of the tureen.
 
The service is illustrated and discussed in Howard, “Chinese Armorial Porcelain”, Vol. 2, at p. 541. He writes that while there are two possibilities for this armorial, Blair of Balmill (or Balmyle) in Scotland and Buckworth of which there is an English baronetcy, he believes that the Blair connection is more likely.
 
The base of the tureen is unmarked.
 
Condition: Minor wear to gilding, otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.
 
Please note that this is a large and heavy piece to ship.
 
Please note, I do NOT issue partial refunds. If you believe that my description is not accurate, I will refund your purchase price upon receipt of the item in the same condition as it was sent under the terms of the return policy in this listing.
 
I also do not ship to post office boxes.