Trays

Datemid 19th century

MediumDrape-molded Chinese export porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 1 1/4 x 7 1/4 x 4 7/8in. (3.2 x 18.4 x 12.4cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineBequest of George Dudley Seymour

Object number1945.1.1440.1-.3

DescriptionGroup of three small, rectangular Chinese export porcelain trays hand-painted with underglaze cobalt blue decoration showing a Chinese landscape; the trays are a type of Chinese export porcelain known as Cantonware. The central Chinese landscape consists of a willow tree with a Chinese structure to the right. A Chinese junk floats on a river that runs through the landscape, with a bridge is in the foreground and mountains, houses, and trees visible in the distance. The central landscape is surrounded by a series of borders. First, there is a band of blue with darker blue lines creating a diamond pattern inside. This border is surrounded by a field of white and then a "Canton" border, consisting of a scalloped line with parallel lines of hatching running inside. The "Canton" border is surrounded by another band of blue with darker lines creating stars inside. Imperfections in the porcelain appear as black dots on the surface of the trays.

Tray (.1) has two small chips in the rim, and a hairline crack visible on the bottom of the tray.

Status

Not on view