Qianlong Era, circa 1785 with blue enameled rim decorated with gilt husks, a chained band at the well and central armorial with the name Morgan. 7 1/2 in. Diameter. This was one of two services made for the Morgan family of Hartford Connecticut. The arms were recorded as Morgan of Boston in 1636, and of Flushing in 1693, and were those used by Sir Henry Morgan, Governor of Jamaica. Two Hartford brothers and provincial merchants, John and Elias, had two services made. This one, for John, brought back on the Empress of China in 1785, was followed on the next voyage by another with the full name "Elias Morgan". This is one of the earliest personal services ordered specially from America after the opening of the trade directly with China. For further example see D.S., Howard Chinese Armorial Porcelain, vol. 1, p. 747. D.S. Howard, New York and the China Trade, p. 82, where both services are illustrated, D.S. D.S. Howard, The Choice of the Private Trader, p. 102.

Very good condition