a pair of Chinese Export Armorial porcelain plates, the arms are of MacKenzie, Azure a stag's head cabossed or; crest, A mountain in flames proper; mottoes 'Luceo non Uro' and 'Data eata (correctly 'fata') secutus'. (mottoes translate I shine, I do not Burn and I follow the fates given or Following my decreed destiny), flanked by a nude male figure representing a wild man or savage (dexter supporter) and a greyhound (sinister supporter), spearhead border with gilt and enamel floral sprays, minor wear to enamels and gilding consistent with age and use, China, mid-18th century, circa 1745
Most probably made for Kenneth MacKenzie, known as Lord Fortrose (would have been the 6th Earl of Seaforth): he was M.P. for Ross-shire in 1747 and 1754 and married in 1741 Lady Mary Stewart, daughter of Earl of Galloway. He died in 1761, leaving an only son who died without heirs in 1781.
Listed with example pictured in David Sanctuary Howard's Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Volume I, page 442.
MEASUREMENTS:
9" diameter
