Tea canister & cover, Yongzheng c.1730, with the arms of Grantham
A tea canister of early canted rectangular form, 4˝ inches tall, decorated on the front with the arms, the reverse with a flower spray. The arms are of Grantham, borne by a number of branches at this time, particularly in Lincolnshire and Rutland, where the town of Grantham lies.
It is very likely that this was made on the order of Captain Caleb Grantham of the East India Company, who commanded the Craggs on its 1722/3, 1725/6 and 1729/30 voyages to India. Grantham also commanded the Britannia (1) on its 1732/3 maiden voyage to Madras and Bengal and was later principal owner of the vessel. None of the voyages were to Canton but he would certainly have had the means to place such an order.
Provenance: from the Weld Collection
Reference : Howard, David S.; Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Volume I, p.253
Condition : Couple of tiny frits filled on cover, otherwise perfect
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