Japan pattern saucer, part of a breakfast service that belonged to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805). The saucer is painted in colours and gilt. The centre is decorated with a basket of flowers, and there are three panels of flowers on the rim, one incorporating two green birds. Between the flower panels there are three reserves containing Nelson's 'SAN JOSEF' crest, inscribed with his motto 'FAITH AND WORKS', a Viscount's coronet and a Duke's coronet. '240' is painted in purple on the base. The service was ordered by Nelson after a visit to Chamberlain's china factory on August 26 1802. In the inventory of the contents of his house at Merton, sold by Lady Hamilton in 1809, it is called the 'Horatia Service'. There are two similar saucers in the museum's collection AAA4536-AAA4537.