A small Chinese porcelain Dutch-decorated cream or milk jug early 18th century

A small Chinese porcelain Dutch-decorated cream or milk jug early 18th century, the originally plain form later-enamelled in red, green and black with an armorial crowned shield of a lion holding a sword and arrows, supported either side by another single lion, small floral sprays to the sides, the neck with stylized designs, 8cm.

Provenance: the Helen Espir Collection, no.645. Purchased from James Norbury, February 1998.

Illustrated: Helen Espir, European Decoration on Oriental Porcelain, p.77, pl.8.

The central lion is that of the United Dutch Republic (or Republic of the Seven United Provinces), the sword and arrows he carries originating from the Habsburg rulers. The same crest featured on Dutch ducatons from 1659.