TWO RARE CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN TULLGARNS SLOTT PLATES,Jiaqing, circa 1800. Center with Tullgarns castle, inscription and date 1796, border with scrolling foliage interrupted with coats-of-arms and crest. - 9 7/8 in. diam. Estimate $5,000-7,000
This sevice is in the Royal collection in Stockholm and several pieces are illustrated by J. Wirgin, "Fran Kina till Europa", Stockolm,1998, p.161, no. 171. Dr. Wirgin explains that this service was ordered in 1796 by Prince Frederick Adolf, who was at the time the Duke of Ostergotlands and owned Tullgarns castle. Although the service was ready in 1800, it did not arrive in Sweden until 1805, by which time Prince Frederic Adolf had died. His sister, Princess Sophia Albertina inherited the castle; King Gustave IV paid for the service and presented it to her. The service was given to the Royal Collection in 1954 by King Gustav VI. Approximately 180 pieces remain there. It is extremely rare for a piece to appear on the open market.
See Christie''s, London, July 12, 2005, lot 94.
PROVENANCE: Kennebunkport, ME estate, 1991; Jamaica Plain, MA estate
One minute chip on rim of upper right of one plate; the other is in good condition