First Period Worcester Chinese Figures Slop Bowl Gentlemen's Mandarin

Attractive Worcester porcelain slop bowl painted in bright polychrome enamels depicting a gentlemen's mandarin type pattern, c. 1770. of 2 scenes of Chinese figures separated by small panels with gilded seaweed background and simple decorative reserves of a vase of flowers in one and a rock and tree in the other. One main panel depicts a woman holding out a flower to a love interest in the distance whilst her assumed official suitor tries to get her attention. The other shows a scholarly man talking to a boy. 

I have seen more ornate versions of this pattern on teapots previously but missing the secret lover part of the story and a similar bowl is illustrated in Coloured Worcester Porcelain Of The First Period by Marshall, number 879.

It measures 12cm (4 3/16") wide and 5.5cm (2 1/4") high. 

Condition is excellent with just a couple of small chips to the footrim. No restoration and minor handling wear; minimal to the enamels, much of the gilded rim has been rubbed and there is a small glaze flake in the white ground above the flower vase.