A desirable form in an especially rare color pattern, this charming Chinese export porcelain sauce tureen is hand-painted in the rare Black FitzHugh pattern.  This popular design is said to have been first ordered in blue by an English sea captain named FitzHugh in the last quarter of the 18th century. This intricately rendered pattern which combines Chinese peonies and antique objects proved so popular that it was produced over the following decades in a range of colors, some far rarer than others as if the case here with this version pattern rendered in black. Measuring 7 1/4″ wide x 6 1/4″ tall, the piece in overall good condition with the exception of a small chip out of the foliate knop.  Circa 1800-1810.