Rare Antique Royal Worcester Hand Painted Chinoiserie Porcelain Tureen, Elaborate Elephant Molded Handles & Dragon Head With Chicken Feet Lid Handle

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Description

A spectacular and highly decorative Victorian Royal Worcester covered tureen, dating to approximately 1875–1876, distinguished by exceptional three-dimensional modeling, unusual … Read more A spectacular and highly decorative Victorian Royal Worcester covered tureen, dating to approximately 1875–1876, distinguished by exceptional three-dimensional modeling, unusual sculptural elephant-form handles, ornate feet, colorful botanical decoration, and strong Japonisme (French term for the strong influence of Japanese art and design on Western art and decorative arts, particularly from about the 1860s through the early 20th century) influence. The porcelain detail is unique with a Dragon Head with Chicken Feet comprising the Lid Handle. Of paricular note are the three marks/number on the underside which are shown in the photos.

Measuring approximately 14.5" wide × 8.5" deep × 8.5" high, this is a substantial example with an impressive presence. The generously proportioned porcelain body is fitted with a slotted domed cover and exceptionally elaborate molded handles. Each side handle is formed as an unusual figural elephant, accented with scrolling elements and gilt decoration. The tureen rests upon four beautifully molded feet embellished with scrollwork, raised ornament and gilding. The cover is surmounted by an equally unusual raised finial with molded and gilt detailing, giving the entire form a distinctly sculptural quality.

The white porcelain ground is lavishly decorated with Chinoiserie Design with an exuberant array of flowers, flowering branches, berries, leaves and foliage in shades of vibrant colors (pink, royal blue, turquoise, green, yellow and red.) The botanical decoration continues across the cover, while fine gilt lines emphasize the rims and architectural contours of the tureen and displays a pagoda shaped handle and slotted lid.

The design reflects the fascination with Japanese and Asian art that swept through Victorian decorative arts during the second half of the 19th century. Royal Worcester was particularly receptive to these influences, incorporating exotic animals, botanical motifs and imaginative forms into its porcelain during this period. The combination of the unusual elephant-form handles and richly decorated botanical surfaces is especially evocative of the adventurous decorative arts of the era. The body is hand-decorated in vibrant colors with Chinese-style motifs and The Chinoiserie Design includes birds as well as stylized flowers.

It is a highly unusual piece, particularly given its age stamped and printed with the company's logo. The underside bears the Royal Worcester crowned-circle factory mark with the number “76” beneath it. Royal Worcester used both two-digit year indications and a letter dating system during this transitional period; the Museum of Royal Worcester records “75” as an example of the two-digit system and L as the letter corresponding to 1876. The “76” marking on this example therefore provides an important dating clue, and the tureen is dated here to approximately 1875–1876, based on its mark, form, decoration and construction.

This tureen combines several distinctive features: sculptural elephant-form handles, elaborately molded feet, a raised finial, extensive polychrome botanical decoration and gilt ornament. Covered Royal Worcester tureens with this degree of three-dimensional modeling and figural treatment are less commonly encountered than the company's more familiar floral wares.

Its substantial 14.5-inch width gives it a strong presence for display. It would be striking on a dining room sideboard, console, buffet, étagère or library cabinet and would make an especially compelling addition to a collection of 19th-century English porcelain, Royal Worcester, Victorian decorative arts, Japonisme or Aesthetic Movement objects.

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