Bidspirit auction | Pr Worc. Dragon in Compartment

Pr Worc. Dragon in Compartment Teacups & Saucers - Worcester, England. Pair of ”Dragon in Compartment” pattern porcelain teacups with saucer, ca. 1815. Unmarked. The pattern also known as ”Kylin” or ”Bengal Tiger.” This pair with a somewhat unusual blue chrysanthemum in the center of the plate and interior of the cups. 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. (Teacups, each) height: 2 3/4 in x width: 4 in x diameter: 3 1/4 in. (Saucers, each) diameter: 5 1/2 in. Condition: To the cups there are fleabite and small chips along the feet. To both cups there are light scratches along the bottom of the interiors, commensurate with use. To one of the cups along the base there is evidence of adhesive. To both cups there are small losses to the gilt, primarily along the upper rims. To both saucers there are accretions and small scratches along the interior, commensurate with use. To both saucers there are fleabite to small chips along the footrims. To both saucers there are small losses to the gilt, primarily along the upper rim. To one of the saucers there is a hairline crack along the underside. To one of the saucers there is a minute fleabite chip to the right of the dragon, only noticeable upon close inspection and touch.