Description
Chinese export porcelain armorial soup tureen with cover and stand, late Jiaqing or early Daoguang ca. 1820. Crest of Rawson with the motto "Laus Virtutis Actio" painted in "Fitzhugh" green with peach handles and flower-form finial. The tureen, lid, and undertray painted with profuse floral motifs and gilt accents.
Illustrated in Howard, "Choice of the Private Trader," pg. 119, no. 118.
Provenance: Christie's, New York, "The Devine Collection, Part II: English and Continental Furniture and Decorative Works of Art," 10 October 1985, Lot 262; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff.
Reference: Howard, "Chinese Armorial Porcelain," Vol. 1, pg. 778 & 976; Vol. 2, pg. 544.
Lot Essay:
"Fitzhugh" is a pattern that can be traced back to the 1770s, featuring a split pomegranate revealing the fruit along with open-winged butterflies, blooming flowers, and trellis or cell patterns. All this generally surrounds a central medallion, usually a coat of arms, an American eagle, or a floral design. While most commonly appearing in underglaze blue, the pattern is also known to appear in sepia, brown, bright green (as in the present lot), orange, and pink.
The origin of the name is much-debated. Some attribute it to an American sea captain who favored the design, or an English family, or the president of the select committee of supercargoes at Canton in the 1780s by the name of Thomas Fitzhugh, while others attribute it to a mispronunciation of Fuzhou, a city known for porcelain production.
This pattern, though exported throughout most trade routes, was most heavily favored in American markets. By the 19th century, more Fitzhugh pattern porcelain was exported to America than Britain. Perhaps most recognizable is the blue Fitzhugh pattern border around the famous Order of the Cincinnati plates made for George Washington. One such plate is offered in this sale.
(Undertray) Width: 14 3/4 in x depth: 12 in. (Tureen) Height: 10 1/2 in x width: 14 in x depth: 9 1/2 in.
Illustrated in Howard, "Choice of the Private Trader," pg. 119, no. 118.
Provenance: Christie's, New York, "The Devine Collection, Part II: English and Continental Furniture and Decorative Works of Art," 10 October 1985, Lot 262; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff.
Reference: Howard, "Chinese Armorial Porcelain," Vol. 1, pg. 778 & 976; Vol. 2, pg. 544.
Lot Essay:
"Fitzhugh" is a pattern that can be traced back to the 1770s, featuring a split pomegranate revealing the fruit along with open-winged butterflies, blooming flowers, and trellis or cell patterns. All this generally surrounds a central medallion, usually a coat of arms, an American eagle, or a floral design. While most commonly appearing in underglaze blue, the pattern is also known to appear in sepia, brown, bright green (as in the present lot), orange, and pink.
The origin of the name is much-debated. Some attribute it to an American sea captain who favored the design, or an English family, or the president of the select committee of supercargoes at Canton in the 1780s by the name of Thomas Fitzhugh, while others attribute it to a mispronunciation of Fuzhou, a city known for porcelain production.
This pattern, though exported throughout most trade routes, was most heavily favored in American markets. By the 19th century, more Fitzhugh pattern porcelain was exported to America than Britain. Perhaps most recognizable is the blue Fitzhugh pattern border around the famous Order of the Cincinnati plates made for George Washington. One such plate is offered in this sale.
(Undertray) Width: 14 3/4 in x depth: 12 in. (Tureen) Height: 10 1/2 in x width: 14 in x depth: 9 1/2 in.
Condition
To the undertray, there is a toned hairline crack along the rim that extends downward to the underside of the tray, measuring approximately 4 1/2 inches. Light wear to the gilt and glaze, particularly along the rim. Surface wear. Very light wear along the underside. To the tureen, there are no cracks or signs of restoration or repair. There are two small, shallow chips along the rim; one small chip along one handle. A few fleabite chips along the inner rim of the lid and along the footrim of the tureen. Scattered scratches. Light wear to the gilt, including small losses.
Buyer's Premium
30%
Green Fitzhugh Armorial Tureen, Cover, & Stand
Estimate $4,000-$8,000
Starting Bid
$2,000
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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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