19th Century Chinese Export Green ‘Fitzhugh’ Hot Water Platter- Tureen *

* Reference
Chinese Export Porcelain, Standard patterns and forms 1780-1880
Herbert & Nancy Schiffer
see Page 141, Image #382 & 383 for similar documented example of this form.

A rare form, the domed oval lid with pomegranate handle decorated in the green ‘Fitzhugh’ pattern, in quadrants and medallions.
The Fitzhugh pattern derives the name for a service ordered around 1780 by Englishman Thomas Fitzhugh. Thomas Fitzhugh served from 1786 to 1800 in Guangzhou (Canton) as a director of the British East India Company.

How it Works:
The platter fitted with a hot water reservoir, with all over conforming decoration.
These were of great use for keeping food warm. Hot water was poured through the left side spout into an open cavity below the platter, originally having a cork stopper. The left side flange is pierced for the escape of steam. Not many these complete tureens survived, due to adding hot water to porcelain and the constant use.

Overall Measurements
Together 7-Inches -high x 15-Inches wide x 9.5 -Inches deep
Cover – 4-Inches -high x 12-Inches wide x 9-Inches deep
Reservoir Platter 2.75 -Inches -high x 15Inches wide x 9.5-Inches deep
14-Inches wide with out the spouts, the reservoir of the platter measures 9-Inches wide x 6.5-Inches deep