Tropical bird + faithful dog, Valentine Chinese porcelain tea caddy 1760-95

  
The fine painting and brilliant colours on this tea caddy are Exceptional! Very rare Vale ntine Pattern Chinese porcelain tea caddy pre-1800, with a similar age cover. This is high quality export porcelain, made with emblems of love and faithfulness. The animated portrait of the dog with a golden collar is done with very fine detail! The 2 gray birds (doves) sit together at a bush festooned by pink flowers. The tree is decorated with a garland of pink and coral coloured flowers. The coral-orange tropical bird has golden eyes, and is looking at the dog waiting for the shepherd who has gone to tend the sheep. The bird could represent the Pacific tropical species Myzomela rubrata Micronesian honeyeater, which is found in the Tinian Island (Marianas) area visited by Lord Anson. The Valentine pattern was designed to commemorate the round-the-world voyage of British Commodore Lord Anson and his crew in 1743, and their brave and heroic efforts during the voyage in saving Canton from a disastrous fire.

The pattern is derived from scenes of a tropical island they visited in the Pacific Ocean. Examples of the armorial pattern are found in the British Museum, and are discussed by D. Howard in The Choice of the Private Trader 1994, and in many other publications. The armorial version of the Valentine pattern has many more elements, such as the Altar of Love, archers quiver of arrows and bow, bagpipes, shepherds crooks and hat, breadfuit and palm trees, and others. The bird of paradise is also featured in the Lord Anson armorial plate in the British Museum.

There are frits/chips along the top edge, and one on the finial top. The bottom scrolling vine is missing some pieces. The gold design around the top has worn off, but its outline can be seen in the light. The central body and painting is in Excellent condition.

The tea caddy and cover together are 15 cm tall and 7 cm wide. The item "Tropical bird + faithful dog, Valentine Chinese porcelain tea caddy 1760-95" is in sale since Tuesday, October 27, 2020. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\China\Tea Caddies". The seller is "bargainzca" and is located in Nanaimo, British Columbia. This item can be shipped worldwide.

1. Region of Origin: China
2. Age: Pre-1800
3. Primary Material: Porcelain
4. Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
5. Color: Famille Rose