CHINA, CANTON, 19th century Set comprising a cup and saucer, in Famille rose porcelain and enamels, the cup decorated with a gallant scene, a young woman welcoming a young man accompanied by his companions and a horse; the plate decorated with a dignitary and his retinue on a terrace, the edges underlined with butterflies and flowers. On the bases, a mark in black giving a date in the 11th year of Daoguang (1831); inside the cup, a dedication written in Dutch: "Koninklijke Marine (Royal Navy), JCJ Van Speyk - 5 Febr 1831 - Voor Vaderland & Vorst (for the Fatherland and the King)". Diam. saucer: 15.6 cm - Dim. cup: 7 x 10.5 cm. Note: This cup commemorates the heroic death of Jan Carel Josephus van Speijk (Amsterdam, 31 January 1802 - Antwerp, 5 February 1831). Van Speijk was a Dutch gunboat commander during the Belgian Revolt, who gained national fame by blowing up his ship to prevent it falling into the hands of Belgian rebels. The date on the mug is that of his death.