$9,400
Chinese Export Porcelain Martha Washington Tea Bowl, c. 1795, small round bowl, the exterior rim with a circular chain border inscribed with the names of the fifteen states in the Union at the time, the interior rim with a blue snake swallowing its tail,(a symbol of everlasting), the interior bowl centered with interlocking initials "MW" enclosed in a green circlet, which was once surrounded by a gilt sunburst (now gone), over a rose banner with the inscription "Decus et Tutamen ab Illo," (A glory and defense from it), vestiges of gilt sunburst around exterior base, (imperfections), ht. 2 1/8, dia. 4 1/4 in. Note: In 1795, Andreas Everaredue Van Braam Houckgeest, the representative of the Dutch East India Company, gave Martha Washington a gift of Chinese Export porcelain which consisted of 45 pieces.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2003-11-01
