Saucer with ‘Cannonball’ pattern

The decoration on this saucer was referred to as the ‘Cannonball’ pattern as the river landscape has round rocks or ‘cannonballs’ in its design. Probably derived from a Chinese pattern, this highly popular design was also used by other English porcelain factories. Chinese blue and white porcelain continued to be in demand in the 18th century and English manufacturers sought to imitate the Chinese imports for a share of the lucrative market. By the early 1760s, improvements had been made to Worcester blue and white porcelain, such that it was able to compete with Chinese imports, especially in terms of price.

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Tea bowl with ‘Cannonball’ pattern

Saucer with ‘Dragon in Compartments’ pattern

Saucer with ‘Dragon in Compartments’ pattern

Saucer with ‘Kempthorne’ pattern