A Rare Chinese Export 'Order of the Cincinnati' Plate. Circa 1785. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013

A hovering angel blowing her trumpet suspends the badge of the Order of the Cincinnati, within a molded scalloped rim; 9½ in. (24 cm.) diameter. Estimate $25,000 - $40,000

Provenance: With Elinor Gordon, Villanova, Pennsylvania.
The Dietrich American Foundation; Christie's, Park Avenue, 21 January 1998, lot 269.

Notes: From the famed service purchased by Colonel 'Light-Horse Harry' Lee for George Washington in New York in 1786, 66 pieces of which are at the Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum. The insignia of the Cincinnati Society (founded in 1783 at the suggestion of Major General Henry Knox, inspired by the Roman farmer turned patriot/soldier Cincinnatus) was designed by Major Pierre L'Enfant, featuring the bald eagle that had just been adopted by Congress as the new nation's seal. Orders for Chinese porcelain featuring Cincinnati decoration were organized by founding member Major Samuel Shaw, supercargo on the Empress of China and former aide-de-camp to General Knox.

It is interesting to note that the figure that suspends the badge on this service is a combination of two elements seen on the Society's membership certificate: the allegorical female figure shown near center, also turning her head back over her shoulder, and the putto at right with the trumpet of fame.

Christie's. English Pottery and Chinese Export Art. 28 January 2013. New York, Rockefeller Plaza.