Enthusiasts of Chinese porcelain and American commercial history alike welcomes this study of the porcelain dishes made in China for Americans in the 18th and 19th centuries. The tea, yardgoods, and opium trade set the scene for commerce that brought this porcelain to the United States. Prominent families from Maine to South Carolina and West to Mississippi and California are represented with family crests, initials, names, or original design decorations. The original owners include George and Martha Washington, John and Abigale Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Jay, DeWitt Clinton, Elias Hasket Derby, among the well known of the time, and many less famous owners of beautiful services. The decorations are divided into styles with armorial crests, monograms, eagles, marine scenes, Masonic emblems, portraits, floral decorations and include the mass-produced patterns: Canton, Fitzhugh, Rose Medallion, butterfly and variations. Fifteen styles of American eagle and four styles of Order of the Cincinnati decoration are illustrated. Students of American history, antiques, and Chinese ceramics will all find the material fascinating.
