Chelsea Porcelain Ranelagh Masqueraders Figures, 1760, Gold Anchor Mark
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A rare pair of Chelsea porcelain figures of Ranelagh masqueraders Toper and a Masked lady. English circa 1760, Gold anchor mark. Provenance: Private Collection Melbourne. Robert Burke collection no 43. Exhibited: Flowers and Fables. A Survey of Chelsea porcelain 1745-1769. National Gallery of Victoria. Melbourne.1 November 1984-10 February 1985. Number 138. Illustrated full page in the NGV publication, written by Margaret Legge that was published for the exhibition Page 66. This figure belongs to a group traditionally said to portray characters from the masquerade held at the Ranelagh Gardens to celebrate the birthday of Frederick Prince of Wales on 24 May 1759, although none correspond exactly with prints issued at the time by Bowles after Maurer. Horace Walpole wrote of a previous Masquerade at Ranelagh in a letter to Horace Mann sent from Strawberry Hill on 3 May 1749: 'In one quarter, was a May-pole dressed with garlands and people dancing round it to a tabor and pipe and rustic music, all masqued, as were all the various bands of music that were disposed in different parts of the garden; some like huntsmen with French horns, some like peasants, and a troop of harlequins and scaramouches in the little open temple on the mount. All round the outside of the amphitheatre were shops, filled with Dresden china, Japan, &c. and all the shopkeepers in mask' See a figure of a masquerader playing a violin sold by Bonhams 6 June 2007, lot 216, Also a pair with foliate costumes sold by Bonhams London 3 October 2012, lot 62 and a pair with the same male figure sold by Bonhams London 18 May 2016, lot 319, 20 and 20.5 cm high, based 5.6 cm diameter
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- Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
- Foliate - Decorated with leaves or leaf-like forms.
- Rustic - Rustic is defined as "of, relating to, or typical of country life or country people", and the items illustrated in this price guide accord with that definition.
But in the 18th and 19th century "rustic furniture" had a narrower definition. It referred to furniture where the framework was carved or moulded to resemble tree trunks and branches, and was usually for outdoor use. Rustic furniture was made in cast iron, wood, terracootta and concrete. Much of the Coalbrookdale company's cast iron furniture was of rustic design. - Floral Swag / Garland / Festoon - Floral swags are a decorative motif often used in the ornamentation of various objects, such as silverware, glassware, and furniture. The term "swag" refers to a garland or wreath of flowers, foliage, or other decorative elements, which is usually arranged in a loop or curve.
Floral swags can be found in a variety of decorative styles, from ornate Baroque and Rococo designs to more naturalistic Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. They are often used to add a touch of elegance, refinement, or whimsy to an object, and can be seen on a range of items from chandeliers and candlesticks to picture frames and tea sets.
In the decoration of silver objects, floral swags are often used to accentuate the curves and lines of the piece, and to add visual interest to the surface. Similarly, on glass objects, floral swags may be used to frame or highlight a particular area of the object, or to add a touch of color and delicacy.
On furniture, floral swags can be found on a variety of pieces, from cabinets and armoires to chairs and sofas. They are often used to enhance the lines and curves of the furniture, and can be used to create a sense of movement and flow in the design.
Overall, floral swags are a versatile decorative element that can be adapted to a range of styles and applications, and have been used in the decoration of various objects throughout history.
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