Platters

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Captain Ebenezer Hooker Mix (American, 1776 - 1839)

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Sarah Johnston (American, 1781 - 1839)

MakerMade by Unknown

Dateabout 1805-1815

MediumDrape-molded Chinese export porcelain with overglaze enamel and gilding

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth of each platter): 1 1/2 x 17 1/4 x 15in. (3.8 x 43.8 x 38.1cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineMuseum purchase

Object number1956.3.9-.10

DescriptionPair of matching oval-shaped Chinese export porcelain platters, part of a dinner service of which eighteen pieces survive: a soup tureen and tray, two platters, one bowl, ten plates, and four soup plates. The entire set has a gilt and red enamel border of undulating lines creating interlacing ovals at the rim. A neoclassical pseudoarmorial device found on each piece in the set consists of a red enamel and gilt shield and mantel, with the initials "SM" in the center. A few of the pseudoarmorial devices show the remnants of a pale pink enamel used for the background of the shield and mantel. Black dots on the surface of the platters indicate imperfections in the porcelain. Both platters have significant wear in the gilt border along the top edge and the pseudoarmorial device in the center. Platter (.9) has a small chip in the top right edge.

Status

Not on view