Armorial porcelain is porcelain decorated with the coat of arms, crest or monogram of a particular family, institution or guild. The term most often refers to Chinese export porcelain made to order for European and American clients from the late seventeenth century to the early nineteenth century.
Orders were placed through the East India companies, with a drawing of the arms sent to China and the finished service returning a year or two later. Large dinner services were the most common commission, although tea wares, punch bowls and chargers were also made. Decoration followed changing fashions, from early blue and white and famille verte to the famille rose palette and later simpler border patterns. English factories and decorators also produced armorial wares, but in smaller numbers. Because the arms can often be identified, many pieces can be linked to a specific family and approximate date, which adds considerably to their historical interest. Collectors look for crisp enamels, accurate heraldry, good gilding and freedom from damage, and pieces with a documented family history are especially valued.
