Platter

Datelate 18th-early 19th century

MediumDrape-molded Chinese export porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 1 1/2 x 15 5/8 x 12 1/4in. (3.8 x 39.7 x 31.1cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineBequest of George Dudley Seymour

Object number1945.1.1438

DescriptionOval, Chinese export porcelain platter with hand-painted underglaze cobalt blue decoration in the Fitzhugh pattern. The Fitzhugh pattern consists of four groups of flowers spaced evenly around a circular central medallion. In the case of this platter, the four groups of flowers also include some of the symbols for the Eight Taoist Immortals, including a fan and a sword. The central panel is a circular 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 area with a small white animal (possibly a dog). The central panel is surrounded by a "Nanking" border, consisting of a series of lines alternating between a line with a dot at either end and a line with an arrowhead at one end. The entire Fitzhugh pattern, the central panel and four panels of flowers, is surrounded by two additional borders at the rim The first is the "Nanking" border, followed by a band of blue with darker lines creating a diamond, or lattice, pattern inside. Imperfections in the porcelain appear as black dots on the surface of the platter.

NotesUse Note: Platter and pierced liner sets are believed to have been used to serve meat or fish. The juice from the meat would run down the holes in the liner and collect in the platter. (Hunt 9/1/2004)

Status

Not on view