Rococo Harvest: Chelsea Porcelain Vegetable Dishes

Object: Pair of Deep Octagonal Dessert Dishes
Origin: Chelsea Porcelain Factory, London, England
Date: Circa 1758-1760 (Brown Anchor Period)
Medium: Soft-paste porcelain, hand-painted polychrome enamels, and red-brown trim

Mark: Small brown anchor
Dimensions (Each): 7 3/5 inches wide x 7 1/10 inches deep x 2 1/10 inches high (19.68 x 18.03 cm x 5.33 cm).

Provenance: Collection of Emil Mosbacher, Jr.; The Antique Porcelain Company, London.

These beautiful Chelsea Porcelain Dishes represent the pinnacle of English soft-paste porcelain production during the mid-18th century. Distinguished by their highly unusual deep octagonal form, they were designed for serving sweets and preserved fruits, adding an element of luxurious naturalism to the Rococo dining table.

Each dish features a superb central composition of hand-painted fruits and vegetables"”one displaying a captivating arrangement of a large capped mushroom, carrots, and turnips, and the other, a peach, larger mushrooms, carrots, and gooseberries. The painterly quality of the enamels and the light touch used on the decoration reflects the high standards of the Chelsea artists working under the celebrated Brown Anchor mark. The simplicity of the red-brown line tracing the rim ensures the vibrant central scenes remain the primary focus.

Historical Context: Emulating Meissen and the Brown Anchor Period

The Chelsea factory (circa 1745-1769) was England's first significant porcelain manufacturer, and its wares are categorized by the shape of the anchor mark used over its lifetime. The Brown Anchor period (circa 1752-1758) and the Red Anchor period which immediately followed, are recognized for their supreme artistic quality and direct emulation of German Meissen porcelain, which was the standard of European luxury at the time.

Dishes like these, featuring large, carefully observed botanical and edible subjects, were directly inspired by Meissen's renowned naturalistic painting. The octagonal form itself is a nod to Continental models. The quality of the soft-paste body and the rich enamels confirm that these dishes were highly coveted luxury items intended for the wealthiest London homes and collections, a status further reinforced by their provenance from the respected Emil Mosbacher, Jr. Collection.

References

Spero, Simon: The Bowles Collection of 18th-Century English & French Porcelain, page 49, number 45 (for similar shape and decoration).

Watney, Bernard: English Blue and White Porcelain of the 18th Century (For general context on the Chelsea factory and its marks).

Hilton, Graham: The Price Guide to 18th Century English Porcelain and 19th Century English Porcelain.

(Ref: ny6042-irr)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good

Dimensions:
Height: 2.1 in.
Width: 7.75 in.
Depth: 7.1 in.

Category: Serving Dishes & Pieces
Materials: Paint, Porcelain
Creator: Brand: Chelsea Porcelain

Shipping:

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Location: This item ships from Downingtown, PA

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Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good