A very desirable Chinese export porcelain covered pot-de-creme finely hand-painted in the Sepia Fitzhugh pattern, made for the American Market and specifically Gabriel Henry Manigault (1789-1834) of Charleston, South Carolina. Gabriel’s younger brother, Charles Izard Manigault, traveled to Canton and the Far East between 1817 and 1823 and it was during this time that he ordered two services – one for his brother and one for himself.  Gabriel’s service, seen here, bears his initials within a belted roundel with a Latin motto that translates to “It is better to anticipate than avenge” which is surmounted by an Native American crest.  There are several American market services ordered for prominent families in this Sepia Fitzhugh pattern around this 1820 period, and all bear this spectacular level of quality of painting.  Many bespoke services were for families in the New England and mid-Atlantic states; this is one of the far rarer examples with a specific Southern connection.  Illustrated and discussed in Schiffer’s China for America, pages 56, 61. Measuring 3 1/4″ tall x 3 1/2″ wide and in very good condition.