Description
Chinese export armorial porcelain plate, Qianlong ca. 1745. The center with the Valentine's or Altar of Love pattern, a gilt spearhead band at the cavetto. the rim with the arms of Hesketh.
Provenance: Heirloom & Howard Ltd., 31 August 2001; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff.
Reference: Howard, "Choice of the Private Trader," pg. 89, no. 77.
Howard, "Chinese Armorial Porcelain," Vol. I, pg. 338.
Lot Essay:
The Valentine Pattern describes a scene that typically includes two doves on Cupid's quiver, an altar with two hearts, a breadfruit tree with a floral garland, a palm tree, a shepherd's pipes, and two recumbent hounds. This imaginative scene was likely based on drawings by Lord Anson's official artist, Piercy Brett, who sailed with him on a voyage of circumnavigation. While the trees are very similar to his published illustrations of the voyage, the other objects are allusions to absent love.
This pattern enjoyed popularity for around twenty years, lending itself well to armorial porcelains as well as variations. This plate with two hounds below a garlanded pine tree. The shepherd's pipes and a hat lay nearby while cows linger in the background.
Diameter: 9 in.
Provenance: Heirloom & Howard Ltd., 31 August 2001; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff.
Reference: Howard, "Choice of the Private Trader," pg. 89, no. 77.
Howard, "Chinese Armorial Porcelain," Vol. I, pg. 338.
Lot Essay:
The Valentine Pattern describes a scene that typically includes two doves on Cupid's quiver, an altar with two hearts, a breadfruit tree with a floral garland, a palm tree, a shepherd's pipes, and two recumbent hounds. This imaginative scene was likely based on drawings by Lord Anson's official artist, Piercy Brett, who sailed with him on a voyage of circumnavigation. While the trees are very similar to his published illustrations of the voyage, the other objects are allusions to absent love.
This pattern enjoyed popularity for around twenty years, lending itself well to armorial porcelains as well as variations. This plate with two hounds below a garlanded pine tree. The shepherd's pipes and a hat lay nearby while cows linger in the background.
Diameter: 9 in.
Condition
There are no cracks. There are several minor repaired frits/chips to the rim of the plate. One small chip to the footrim. Light losses to the gilt, primarily around the extreme edge of the rim.
Buyer's Premium
30%
Armorial Valentine's Pattern Plate - Hesketh
Estimate $300-$600
Starting Bid
$150
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This auction is curated by:
Sean BlanchetAsian Art Specialist
Robert SnellPaintings and Sculpture Specialist
Leo & Doris Hodroff Chinese Export Collection
Nov 12, 2026, 11:00 AM ESTSt. Paul, MN, United States
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