Chinese Export Porcelain Large Armorial Tankard

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The Warcop Tankard: Rare Chinese Export Armorial Porcelain with Cornucopia Decoration (c. 1780)

A superb late 18th-century Chinese Export porcelain … Read more The Warcop Tankard: Rare Chinese Export Armorial Porcelain with Cornucopia Decoration (c. 1780)

A superb late 18th-century Chinese Export porcelain armorial tankard, dating to the Qianlong period (c. 1780). This substantial cylindrical vessel was a bespoke luxury commission for the Warcop (or Warcup) family of Cumberland and Oxfordshire.

The body features a slightly tapered form with a robust double-strap handle. The central decoration is the finely painted Coat of Arms of the Warcop family: a shield of azure blue bearing three silver (Argent) covered cups. The shield is surmounted by a crest of a unicorn’s head erased.

Surrounding the heraldry are elaborate decorative elements:

Rim: A wide, sophisticated Rococo diaper border in gilt, overlaid with iron-red and green floral scrollwork.

Sides: Flanked by large, grisaille-washed cornucopias overflowing with vibrant Famille Rose flowers—a symbol of abundance and prosperity.

Foot: Encircled by a classical Greek Key band in gilt on an iron-red ground.

Heraldic Attribution: The arms are blazoned as "Azure, three covered cups Argent," which is the recorded coat of arms for the Warcop family.

Collector's Note: While the traditional crest for Warcop is often recorded as a boar's head, Chinese Export services frequently display variations due to specific cadet branches, marriage alliances, or the Chinese artist interpreting a bookplate where the crest was distinct. The unicorn crest seen here makes this a unique document of the family's history.

Condition: Excellent antique condition. Enamels and gilding remain bright with minimal rubbing. No chips, cracks, or restoration observed.

Measurements:
Height: 5 1/4 inches (13.3 cm)
Width (including handle): 6 inches (15.2 cm)
Diameter: 4 1/4 inches (10.8 cm)

Historical Context: In the late 18th century, armorial porcelain was the ultimate status symbol. Families would send drawings of their crests to Canton (Guangzhou), where Chinese artists would copy them onto porcelain blanks fired in Jingdezhen. The Warcop family was an ancient English gentry lineage; owning a service of this quality demonstrated their wealth and participation in the global East India Company trade.

Provenance:

A Private Georgia Collection.

Sarah Potter Conover, Inc. (A distinguished former dealer in fine Chinese Export porcelain).

(Ref: NY10536A-limx) See less