Gaming Counter with the Arms of Gordon

Gaming Counter with the Arms of Gordon

This counter shows the crest from the coat of arms of the Duke of  Gordon of Scottland. It consists of a stag’s head and neck and a ducal coronet.[1]

Unlike most other counters this one comes in the unusual “double dog of Fo” shape. The dog of Fo is also called “Lion of Buddha” or Shishi (Chinese: “stone lion”) and can originally be found as guardian at the entrance of Buddhist temples.[2]  Whereas round counters usually depicted the full coat of arms and sometimes even a motto, fish and Fo-shaped counters only had enough space for the crest. This innovative shape was not very successful, as most of the dogs’ jaws broke off[3] as can be observed in this counter.

It is not entirely clear who this counter was made for. We only know that in the 1780s there were three sets of porcelain ordered with the coats of the Duke of Gordon and the Marquess of Huntley. Those sets could have either been made or one of the brothers of the 4^th Duke of Gordon, Lord William, or another relative. Most likely they were ordered for Lockhart Gordon, third son of the 3^rd earl of Abayne. Gordon was born in 1732, became Judge Advocate in Bengal and died in Calcutta in 1788.[4]

Museum Purchase with Funds provided by H.F. Lenfest, W. Groke MIckey, and the Frances and Beverly M. Dubose Foundation

Mother of Pearl

2015.39.4

Made in Guangzhou (Canton), China

0.94" x 3.43"