A Philip Christian Liverpool Porcelain Lamprey Handle Cream Boat c1775

Description

Heading :  Philip Christian (Liverpool) Lamprey Handle Cream Boat c1775 
Date : c.1775
Period : George III
Marks : None 
Origin : Liverpool. England 
Colour : Polychrome 
Pattern : Floral sprays 
Features : Moulded lambrequin and shells on helmet-shape body. lamprey handle (with distinctive caudal fin). pedestal foot 
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks. There is some wear to the enamels
Restoration : None 
Dimensions : 8.5cm height. 11.9cm length 
Weight : 122 grams

Note : Although the lamprey may seem to be a peculiar choice for the basis of a jug handle. both Liverpool’s river Mersey. and the Severn. were noted for the abundance of the fish (the latter running through Worcester. where lamprey-handled pieces also originated). They would – as essentially a free food source – have been familiar to factory workers; Warrington. a town just a few miles upstream on the Mersey from Christian’s base in Liverpool. was noted for its lamprey market in the latter part of the 18th century.

Reference :

For the same model. but with underglaze blue decoration see Liverpool Porcelain (Maurice Hillis 2011) p253; ref 6.77

For similar Christian ewer from the period see Made In Liverpool (Northern Ceramic Society 1993) p91; ref 113

For Christian tea bowl and saucer using the same iron-red line and scallop border see same publication; p96 ref 125

For similar Worcester ewer from the period see V&A Accession Number C.937-1924