Plymouth (William Cookworthy) Porcelain Triple-Shell Sweetmeat Stand
Circa 1768-70, unmarked, probably modeled by John Toulouse
Of tripartite form, surmounted by a large shell, perhaps a spiny frog shell (Bufonaria echinata and Harpa major), above three conjoined open scallop shells, each interior enameled with a broad bouquet within a gilt rim, supported on addorsed dolphin tails, the seaweed mound base applied with coral, seaweed and small shells.
Height 7 1/4 inches, diameter 7 inches.

Provenance:
Sotheby's & Co., London, 12 March 1974, lot 154.

For a strikingly similar sweetmeat stand, noted as William Cookworthy either Plymouth or Bristol, circa 1768-72, see Bonham's, London, 3 November 2016, lot 237. For a white example and an extensive review, see Stock Spring Antiques Exhibition Catalogue, 'Inspired by Blanc de Chine, The Anthony Collection of White Porcelain', London, 7th June - 14th June 2017, no. 92.

C Estate of Sarah Belk Gambrell

Presents very well. Two scallop shells with two hairline cracks (approx. 2-3 in. long) and three small restored rim chips. The base with multiple short hairline cracks, some of which appear to be stabilized by a museum quality restorer. One line extending through a dolphin, this lobe foot likely off and reattached. Restored chip to one shell near finial.

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