Japan pattern tea basin, part of a breakfast service that belonged to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805). The interior is decorated with a single floral spray and two gilt bands. On the exterior there are three panels of flowers, one incorporating two green birds and between them reserves containing Nelson's 'SAN JOSEF' crest, inscribed with his motto 'FAITH AND WORKS', a viscount's coronet and a duke's coronet. The service was ordered by Nelson after a visit to Chamberlain's china factory on August 26 1802. The pattern number '240' is painted on the base. In the inventory of the contents of his house at Merton, sold by Lady Hamilton in 1809, it is called the 'Horatia Service'.