Rare Early Derby Porcelain Rectangular Butter Tub / Pot & Cover C.1758

A very rare Derby porcelain butter tub and cover of rectangular form with canted corners and flared sides. The domed cover of matching canted shape, with grooved strap handle. Beautifully painted with sprays of roses and tulips in bright enamels and finished with red-brown rims. c.1758-1760.

Reference: examples without covers are illustrated in Ceramics Of Derbyshire by Bradford, plates 81 and 174, and Derby Porcelain by Gilhespy, plates 33 and 34. A larger blue and white example with cover with a cherry knop is illustrated in Barrett & Thorpe, plate 83.

It measures 12cm (4 3/4") by 9cm (3 1/2") wide and 9.5cm (3 3/4") high. The base is 11.5cm (4 1/2") long by 8.3cm (3 1/4") wide and 6cm (2 1/4") high.

In excellent condition. There has been a truly invisible repair at one end which cannot be explicitly identified. It cannot be seen even with an illuminated jeweller's loupe. It is only under UV light that one end panel glows a slightly paler tone and the inner lower edge glows to reveal some work has been completed. There are no signs externally of issue to be able to suggest what has actually occurred. The porcelain is sound and has not been restored. Photos of the UV results can be provided if required.

The handle has been expertly repaired which can only be seen under high magnification. There are a number of historic small chips and nibbles to the edge of the flange to the inside of the cover. Very minor handling wear except to the brown enamel on the rims which has been rubbed on the corner tips of the cover and understandably more so on the rim of the tub.

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