Museum Collections
Luce Center
Platter
Object Number:
X.524
Date:
1784-1785
Medium:
Porcelain
Dimensions:
Overall: 1 7/8 x 14 1/4 x 11 5/8 in. ( 4.8 x 36.2 x 29.5 cm )
Marks:
in pencil: on underside; "Made in Lowestoft"
Description:
Chinese export porcelain platter with polychrome decoration on white ground; rectangular with scalloped edges; underglaze blue border of butterflies, plant motifs, and diapering in the "Fitzhugh" pattern; in the center, an overglaze polychrome winged figure of fame holding the eagle insignia of the Society of the Cincinnati.
Gallery Label:
Emblazoned with the emblem of the Society of the Cincinnati, an organization of Revolutionary War officers, this platter is from a set of porcelain commisioned by Samuel Shaw in China in 1784-85. It was purchased by Henry Lee in New York in 1786 acting as an agent for George Washington, or may have been part of the set purchased for Lee's own use. The Washington service descended to George Washington Parke Custis and then Robert E. Lee.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.