English Porcelain Gold-Ground Botanical Patch Box With Irish References, "Forget Not Erin" Motto

Description

English Porcelain Gold-ground Botanical Patch Box With Irish References,
"Forget Not Erin" Motto,
London Decorated Coalport,
Circa 1825-30

This spectacular … more English Porcelain Gold-ground Botanical Patch Box With Irish References,
"Forget Not Erin" Motto,
London Decorated Coalport,
Circa 1825-30

This spectacular Coalport porcelain box is of circular form with an overall gold ground. The sides and top are finely painted with a colorful grouping of flowers. It was probably made for snuff.

On the interior of the lid is a bunch of shamrocks with a banner in the front in pink with the words "FORGET NOT ERIN". Erin is an archaic or literary name for Ireland. In this case it goes back to the late 18th century and is related to the opposition to the Act of Union in 1801 and early Republicans, probably with French affiliations. There were substantial ex-pat Irish communities in Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester, so likely to have been commissioned by one of them.

Auricula, ranunculus, and true geraniums are painted on the lid. One of these painted flowers, auriculas, are fascinating flowers in their own right. In Tudor times, they were highly prized, and displayed in what were known as theatres. True geraniums stand for peace and healing.

Unmarked

Dimensions: Cover 3 inch diameter, Box without cover 2 3/4 inches diameter x 1 1/16 inches high (6.985cm x 2.70cm high)

(Ref: English Porcelain Gold-ground Botanical Patch Box With Irish References,
"Forget Not Erin" Motto,
Attributed to Coalport,
Circa 1820

This spectacular English porcelain box is of circular form with an overall gold ground. The sides and top are finely painted with a colorful grouping of flowers. It was probably made for snuff.

On the interior of the lid is a bunch of shamrocks with a banner in the front in pink with the words "FORGET NOT ERIN". Erin is an archaic or literary name for Ireland. In this case it goes back to the late 18th century and is related to the opposition to the Act of Union in 1801 and early Republicans, probably with French affiliations. There were substantial ex-pat Irish communities in Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester, so likely to have been commissioned by one of them.

Unmarked

Dimensions: Cover 3 inch diameter, Box without cover 2 3/4 inches diameter x 1 1/16 inches high (6.985cm x 2.70cm high)

(Ref: NY10066-iimx) less