Plate

This Chinese porcelain plate is one of a large group of porcelains owned by George Washington (1732–1799) and Henry Lee (1756–1818). Its underglaze-blue Fitzhugh border—an elaborate pattern of the late eighteenth century incorporating flowers, pomegranates, often butterflies, and other Chinese motifs. The plate is also decorated with the emblem of the Society of the Cincinnati (with a blue and white striped ribbon) held aloft by a somewhat whimsical Angel of Fame. An example of an original Society of the Cincinnati medal, created for officers who had served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, is also in the Museum's collection (35.46a, b).