Eggcups
MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1840-1860
MediumWheel-thrown Chinese export porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x diameter of each eggcup): 2 1/2 x 2 7/8in. (6.4 x 7.3cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineBequest of George Dudley Seymour
Object number1945.1.1186.1-.6
DescriptionSix wheel-thrown, crude, Chinese export porcelain eggcups hand-painted with underglaze cobalt blue in the Fitzhugh pattern. The Fitzhugh pattern consists of four groups of flowers spaced evenly around a central circular medallion. This central circular medallion is a floral arrangement surrounded by a blue border consisting of a band of blue with darker lines creating a diamond pattern inside. At four points, this border is interrupted by an oval area of blue with a small white animal (possibly a dog). This is surrounded by a "Nanking" border, consisting of a series of alternating thick and thin lines.
The central medallion of the Fitzhugh pattern was hand-painted twice on opposite sides of each eggcup, with the four groups of flowers circling the sides of the eggcups between the central medallions. Each eggcup also has three borders on the foot in underglaze cobalt blue. The first is a line of swastikas, the second is the "Nanking" border, and the third is a band of blue with darker lines creating a diamond, or lattice, pattern inside. The inside of each eggcup also has a thin blue border at the rim. Imperfections in the porcelain appear as black dots in the surface of the eggcups.
One eggcup (.6) shows considerable damage. At one time, half of the cup broke completely from the eggcup and was repaired with a brittle yellow substance. There are two chips in the rim.
The central medallion of the Fitzhugh pattern was hand-painted twice on opposite sides of each eggcup, with the four groups of flowers circling the sides of the eggcups between the central medallions. Each eggcup also has three borders on the foot in underglaze cobalt blue. The first is a line of swastikas, the second is the "Nanking" border, and the third is a band of blue with darker lines creating a diamond, or lattice, pattern inside. The inside of each eggcup also has a thin blue border at the rim. Imperfections in the porcelain appear as black dots in the surface of the eggcups.
One eggcup (.6) shows considerable damage. At one time, half of the cup broke completely from the eggcup and was repaired with a brittle yellow substance. There are two chips in the rim.
Status
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