A beautiful Chinese armorial porcelain tea bowl & saucer, slightly larger than usual, OF maritime interest. With exquisite hand painted and gilded decoration. This was made during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1736-1796) and bears a central crest of the LENNOX family of Campsie, Scotland. motto "I'll Defend". Comprising the Royal crown of Scotland and two crossed swords. This symbolised loyalty to the crown and is a wonderful crest. 

For many years, the seat was at old Woodhead House, Lennoxtown, Glasgow, until Lennox Castle was completed nearby. The local Lennox Mausoleum & "waiting room" has a carving of the Lennox arms.

Presented in excellent condition for age. 
Minute chip to bowl rim and foot rim. Saucer, 2 small hairlines. These do not detract from the overall beauty of the piece.

Measurements: 
Saucer, 6 Inches (15.5cm) wide.
Bowl, 4.25 Inches (11cm) wide.

See Howard, Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol.1. Page 826 for a discussion of this service (no illustration).

This service was probably ordered by Captain Charles Lennox of the East India Company, during the 1790/91 season, as Captain of ' The Woodford' to China. During 1797, the convoy of East India ships led by Commodore Charles Lennox bluffed the French Navy led by Admiral De Sercey (see Arc de Triomphe). They pretended to be a well armed Naval fleet, by raising Naval Ensign flags, ultimately chasing the French away. This made Lennox a celebrity. The family built Lennox castle,Campsie, Glasgow, Scotland.

His uncle also served as a captain in the E.I.C, and during the early part of his career Charles unfortunately delayed the ship by several months by incorrect reading of the Lunar Sextant.

More details/images on request.
We are happy to securely ship this item to the UK or Worldwide at fair cost.

History
The sale of Lennox castle was in 1922. It is likely the pieces came from Downton Castle, Ludlow, present seat of the KINKAID-LENNOX clan.
 
紋章瓷器