A pair of Chinese famille-rose tureens, covers and stands Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period

each of hexagonal section, decorated with shaped cartouches variously enclosing figures within an interior or birds perched on floral branches, all reserved against a dense ground of gilt floral scrolls, the domed cover surmounted by a pomegranate knop

Possibly acquired by John Wishart Belsches, later Sir John Stuart (1752-1821) or one of his parents either William Belsches of Tofts, Berwick and Fort St. David’s, Madras (1717-1753) or Emilia Stuart Belsches of Fettercairn (1730-1807) apparently at Greenhill House, Edinburgh by 1820 and from 1821 at Fettercairn.

These tureens are possibly those referred to in a list of Chinese porcelain at Greenhill House, Edinburgh which was sent to Fettercairn House. The document is dated 1st of August, 1820 and apparently compiled by Sir Willam Forbes, 7th Bt.(1773-1828). He refers to '2 small fine old China bowls w/covers'.