Unknown artist, Mancerina, 1760-70. Porcelain; 9½ in. dia. Funds from Alianza de las Artes Americanas and Asian Art Acquisitions, 2017.143.

  This large Chinese famille rose mancerina decorated with flowers is specialized item found in chocolate services, the mancerina is a deep, wide saucer, often in the shape of a seashell, with a cup holder in the center to hold the jícara (chocolate cup) in place and prevent it from tipping over.  It was invented in Mexico in the mid-1600s and named after Don Antonio Sebastián Álvarez de Toledo Molina y Salazar, 2nd Marquis of Mancera, and Grandee of Spain (c. 1608–1715), a Spanish nobleman who was Viceroy of New Spain (Mexico) from 1664 to 1673.

  Mancerinas became very fashionable across the Spanish empire during the colonial period and were manufactured in both silver and ceramic. In the 18th century, thanks to the trade with Asia via the Manila Galleon, porcelain mancerinas were also produced in China for the Mexican market. This example, a Qianlong period (1736-1795) famille rose mancerina decorated with flowers from circa 1760-70, is representative type of the Asian export wares for the Spanish market.

― Jorge Rivas Pérez, 2017