Antique 'Chinese' Fitzhugh Pattern Blue & White Porcelain Tureen or Planter. This originally was a tureen made in the late 18th. Century in China for the export market - it is a well travelled piece, with a historical background - from the days of the China Traders. Hand painted in the classic blue & white Fitzhugh pattern in underglaze blue. The background glaze with a slight celadon tone. Naturalistic floral stem-twist handles on either side. Early formalized four paneled decoration on Chinese export porcelain. The name Fitzhugh for this pattern derives from an association with a blue and white service ordered around 1780 by Englishman Thomas Fitzhugh. Thomas Fitzhugh served from 1786 to 1800 in Guangzhou (Canton, Southern China) as a director of the British East India Company. The most detailed decorations seems to be dating to the last decades of the 18th Century. It occurs in several different colors, among which underglaze blue and white is the most common. Circa late 18th Century. Condition is excellent. No markings. A historical as well as versatile piece. 13 1/2" long x 9 1/2" wide x 6 3/4" tall. 5.5 pounds.
