"George Washington"

Porcelain

Dessert Plate, $44.00; Teacup & Saucer, $59.00

George and Martha Washington received this monogrammed tea service as a gift from the East India Company in 1796. It is believed that the original service contained approximately 45 pieces.

Selected by its captain, Andrea van Braam Houckgeest, the china was made in Canton, with each piece featuring Mrs. Washington's initials at the center as well as the names of all 15 states in the union at that time. A Latin motto, "Decus et tutamen ab illo" appears under Mrs. Washington's initials on a ribbon motif. This means "a glory and the defense of it." Underneath both initials and motto is a gold sunburst and a narrow border for each plate bears the motif of a snake with its tail in its mouth representing perpetuity.

Also available: Dinner Plate, Luncheon Plate, Rim Soup, Teapot, Sugar & Creamer, Oval Serving Bowl, Oval Platter, Pedestal Cake Plate, and gift pieces.