Bristol Porcelain Initialed Teabowl and Saucer
Circa 1774, from a service possibly made for Joseph Harford
The fluted teabowl and saucer finely painted in puce camaïeu with a central putto among clouds holding a bow above a shield initialed in black `JMH', surrounded by pendant floral bouquets enclosed by gilt scrolls and scattered sprays, within gilt dentil rims.
Diameter of saucer 4 3/4 inches.

Provenance:
Christie's, London, 27 March 1972, lot 101 (one of a pair).
Christie's, London, 23 February 1976, lot 133.

It is currently thought that these elaborately decorated and initialed teawares were likely made for Champion's business collaborator and neighbor, Joseph Harford who contributed £3,000 to the porcelain venture.

An alternate suggestion is recorded by F. Severne MacKenna, Bristol Porcelain, p. 64, where it is noted, they may match a service made for Joseph Hickey, however, this service is listed by Owen as "a somewhat plain affair" which seems an unlikely description for the present example.

For a teabowl and saucer from this initialed service, see Bonham's, London, 6 June 2007, lot 375. Note that the putto on this example holds a flaming torch.

C Estate of Sarah Belk Gambrell

Overall lovely condition.

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