A CHINESE EXPORT ORANGE 'FITZHUGH' AMERICAN EAGLE-DECORATED OVAL PLATTER CIRCA 1810-20

Some fine black speckling to the glaze overall and some wear to the orange enamel on the rims, otherwise in good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A relatively small number of orange 'Fitzhugh' dinner wares appear to survive, and of these some are a variant type with gilt monograms in place of the red stripes on the shield. Given the very close similarity in execution of the eagle and dark, almost reddish coloring of the orange enamel on the surviving pieces of the present decoration, it is quite probable that they were all made at the same time, and, given that there are a relatively small number of surviving pieces, formed originally just one service, since it seems unlikely that such expensive, and patriotic, china would have been discarded lightly, even if damaged. Mudge, 1986, p. 214, pl. 349, illustrates a 'well and tree' platter with identical decoration and notes that it is "associated with John R. Stockton, senator, then congressman from New Jersey." Richard Stockton (1764-1828) was elected to the United States Senate from 1796-1799, and to Congress in 1813, serving until 1815.
A large oval warming platter in this pattern, the property of the Albright-Knox Gallery, Buffalo, New York was sold in these rooms, April 4, 2007, lot 243.