Gaming Counter with the Arms of Prince
Title
Gaming Counter with the Arms of Prince
Description
Everyone makes mistakes. Despite the fact that this counter is the appropriate size for its time, it is peculiar. The crest is engraved incorrectly.
This counter seeks to illustrate the arms of Prince and was probably made for Captain John Prince of the East Indiaman[1] Latham at Canton during the 1770’s.[2] He sailed trading ships to and from China on behalf of the East India Company.
The crest is incorrect because the hand should be holding three pineapples, but it appears to be holding arrows instead.
Having no image on the reverse side also adds intrigue to this counter. Given the time period, the back should be engraved with some kind of decorative design, such as with floral garland.
These idiosyncrasies reflect the challenges associated with ordering and manufacturing gaming counters. The back side could have been left blank on purpose, possibly to secure a cheaper price, but the inaccuracy on the crest is unusual. It speaks to the difficulties of the Canton Trade.
Captain Prince likely provided an example of his coat of arms to Cantonese craftsmen who failed to copy it correctly. Their mistake could be attributed to human error, but ignorance is likely to blame. While cultivated in China, it is unlikely that pineapple featured prominently in the diet of Cantonese craftsmen. They may have never seen one.
This counter seeks to illustrate the arms of Prince and was probably made for Captain John Prince of the East Indiaman[1] Latham at Canton during the 1770’s.[2] He sailed trading ships to and from China on behalf of the East India Company.
The crest is incorrect because the hand should be holding three pineapples, but it appears to be holding arrows instead.
Having no image on the reverse side also adds intrigue to this counter. Given the time period, the back should be engraved with some kind of decorative design, such as with floral garland.
These idiosyncrasies reflect the challenges associated with ordering and manufacturing gaming counters. The back side could have been left blank on purpose, possibly to secure a cheaper price, but the inaccuracy on the crest is unusual. It speaks to the difficulties of the Canton Trade.
Captain Prince likely provided an example of his coat of arms to Cantonese craftsmen who failed to copy it correctly. Their mistake could be attributed to human error, but ignorance is likely to blame. While cultivated in China, it is unlikely that pineapple featured prominently in the diet of Cantonese craftsmen. They may have never seen one.
Source
Museum Purchase with Funds provided by H.F. Lenfest, W. Groke Mickey, and the Frances and Beverly M. DuBose Foundation
Date
About 1770
Format
Mother-of-Pearl
Identifier
2015.39.74
Coverage
Physical Dimensions
1.34 inch diameter
Files
Collection
Citation
“Gaming Counter with the Arms of Prince,” Chinese Armorial Gaming Counters, accessed October 6, 2024, https://chinesearmorialgamingcounters.omeka.wlu.edu/items/show/43.