A rare Chamberlain Worcester 'Mermaid Tripod' Pastille Burner c.1812

A rare Chamberlain Worcester 'Mermaid Tripod' Pastille Burner c.1812. Richly decorated in the popular ''Japan'' pattern number 240. The decoration is a beautiful example of the Regency ''Japan" style from the early 19th Century. This wonderful, colourful and intriguing pattern is one of the many "Japan" patterns that came out around that time and was called the "Fine Old Japan" pattern from 1802. Admiral Nelson ordered an entire service in the pattern but with the additions of his own crests and therefore this pattern is often called the "Nelson" pattern.

Geoffrey Godden in his book on Chamberlain Worcester page 249, plate 303, illustrates a similar form which is an inkwell with a fixed top.

My example here would have originally had a domed pierced lid, similar to the one illustrated in plate 348 page 272.

Painted mark in red script to the base. A similar example is illustrated by Geoffrey Godden on page 262 of his book on Chamberlain Worcester Porcelain. 

Condition: Firing crack to the base, lid missing. Possibly has been detached from the base at some point just below the Mermaid's but difficult to tell as there is no sign of any damage.