George Washington's Dinner Plate

Owned by George and Martha Washington, this important Blue Canton China dinner plate was used by the Presidential couple when entertaining guests at their famed Mount Vernon home. The Washingtons rarely dined out, however they were gracious entertainers and took great care and consideration in choosing only the best linens, cutlery and table services for their private estate. 

The first American President and First Lady favored Blue Canton China and owned a number of different patterns of this style. In fact, many of the most fashionable tables in the early American Republic were set with Blue Canton, so-called because of the great Chinese trading port of its origin. This design was in demand well into the 19th century and has continued to be popular as a symbol of heritage for many important American families. 

This incredible object of American history is accompanied by a letter from Mount Vernon certifying that it was owned by the Washingtons and by descent to Mrs. Washington’s granddaughter, Eleanor Custis Lewis of Woodlawn Plantation. This plate was part of a traveling exhibition of Washington antiquities that was on view in ten prestigious museums nationwide. 

Circa 1763-1783

9" diameter

Provenance:
Eleanor Parke Lewis
Lawrence Lewis
H.L.D. Lewis (the great granddaughter of Martha)
Thos. Birch’s Sons, Auctioneers, Philadelphia, December 15, 1891, Lot 143
Joseph E. Fields, II
Hendershott Museum Consultants
Claude Harkins