Bidspirit auction | 2 Worcester ”Dragon in Compartment”

2 Worcester ”Dragon in Compartment” Plates - Chamberlain's Worcester, England. Pair of ”Dragon in Compartment” pattern no. 75 porcelain dinner plates, ca. 1815. Marked with handwritten maker along the underside. The pattern also known as ”Kylin” or ”Bengal Tiger.” Provenance: The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff. Worcester began producing this design in the 1770s. The name comes from the auspicious mythical creature set in the compartments, the Qilin, depicted uniquely with a large mouth emanating with with gilt fire or vapor. A similar creature more akin to a Foo Dog features in the opposite compartment, depicted standing on a plinth holding an object. In the compartments between these two fierce beasts are still lifes of vases and floral sprays. Surrounded by vibrant red, green, and gilt decoration in the borders. The central motif is a chrysanthemum, a symbol of longevity. Overall the pattern is rife with auspicious symbols and motifs. The pattern draws heavily from Chinese Kangxi examples, showcasing the Western desire for imported goods. This pattern is also an excellent example of the cross-cultural exchange that occurred as a result of the import of porcelain goods, showing how Western eyes interpreted Eastern symbology. This is especially evident in the names given to the pattern, ”Bengal Tiger” or ”Dragon in Compartment, ” showing how these mythical creatures were interpreted into known animals in the Western world. (Plates, each) diameter: 9 1/4 in. Condition: To both plates there are fleabite to small chips along the undersides, primarily along the footrims. To both plates there are losses to the pigment and gilt, and light scratches along the interior of the plate commensurate with use. To one of the plates there is evidence of restoration along the rim that fluoresces under UV light. To one of the plates there is crazing to the glaze, primarily along the underside. There are hairline cracks along the underside. To one of the plates there are two linear hairline cracks along the underside extending from the upper rim. To both plates there are painted inscriptions along the underside ”Chamberlain Worcester 75.”