Joseph Clementson makes good use of the large size of this gadroon edge platter for his bl...

Joseph Clementson makes good use of the large size of this gadroon edge platter for his blue transfer chinoiserie fantasy pattern, "Pekin Sketches."  We are pulled into the scene by a large, inviting urn of luscious flowers in the foreground.  The primary focus of the scene is a central island with  large chinoiserie temple-like complex of pavilion and fountain.  Small figures at the entrance of the pavilion seem to beckon the viewer while lighter blue transfer mountains in the background create a sense of a distant horizon.  A fine curlicue fillet circles the well of the piece.  On the flange, Clementson has arranged large floral groups extending outward to a stylized egg and dart border just inside the heavy molded white gadroon edging. 

Clementson's "Pekin Sketches" is a wonderful complement to other  floral vase and sce...

Clementson's "Pekin Sketches" is a wonderful complement to other  floral vase and scene patterns such as Ridgway, Morley and Wear's "Japan Flowers" or William Ridgway's "Persian."  However the prominent white gadroon edge detail also makes it a complement to a group of patterns which utilize similar edging.  This second group would include scenic patterns such as Minton's "Chinese Marine," Elkin, Knight and Bridgewood's "Canton Views," or John and William Ridgway's "India Temple."