Trays

Datemid 19th century

MediumDrape-molded Chinese export porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth of each tray): 1 5/8 x 11 x 9 3/4in. (4.1 x 27.9 x 24.8cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineBequest of George Dudley Seymour

Object number1945.1.1411.3-.5

DescriptionSet of three oval, Chinese export porcelain trays with pierced rims and hand-painted underglaze cobalt blue decoration of a Chinese landscape; the trays are a type of Chinese export porcelain known as Cantonware. The landscape consists of a willow tree and a Chinese structure to the right. A Chinese junk floats on the river that runs through the landscape, with a bridge in the foreground and houses, hills, and trees in the distance. The central landscape is surrounded by a series of borders. Closest to the landscape is a band of blue with darker lines creating a geometric pattern inside. This 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 final border at the rim is a field of blue with darker lines creating stars inside. Imperfections in the porcelain appear as dots on the surface of the trays. One tray (.3) has some pale yellow spots on the rim.

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