Lot 81 , A very fine Worcester two-handled sauceboat, circa 1755-6, 21.9cm long

A very fine Worcester two-handled sauceboat, circa 1755-6, the shallow, oval body modelled with two shell shaped lips and applied with two double-scroll handles with monkey head finials forming thumbrests, the exterior embossed with garlands of leaves which form four circular reserves, each painted with a single European figure in a landscape, the interior painted with a rose spray and a butterfly, a border of rococo ornament painted around both lips, the rim edged in brown, 21.9cm long
Estimate £1,500-2,000

Provenance - R. David Butti Collection, Bonhams 10th May 2006, lot 22; Sotheby's 22 October 1985, lot 233; Sotheby's 30 March 1976, lot 23 and possibly the same sauceboat sold at Phillips 6 December 1995, lot 257. Illustrated by John Sandon (1993), p. 351. Another identical example was in the Anthony Tuke collection, Another with different European figures in the panels was exhibited by Albert Amor Ltd., The Golden Age, 1980, fig. 17. Two handled sauceboats were made in three sizes and only the largest examples have these distinctive monkey head thumbrests. A smaller two handled sauceboat also with European figures was in the Zorensky collection, part 1, lot 41. While two-handled sauceboats were standard forms in Chinese and Continental porcelain services, British customers apparently preferred pairs of single-handled sauceboats. Worcester only produced two-handled boats for relatively few years in the mid 1750s.

Good condition.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £2,400