Lidded Mustard Pots
MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1800-1820
MediumWheel-thrown Chinese export porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height including lid x width including handle x depth): 4 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 2 5/8in. (10.8 x 9.5 x 6.7cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineBequest of George Dudley Seymour
Object number1945.1.1403.8a,b-.9a,b
DescriptionPair of barrel-shaped, wheel-thrown, Chinese export porcelain lidded mustard pots with underglaze cobalt blue decoration in the Fitzhugh pattern. The Fitzhugh pattern, found decorating all sides of the mustard pots, consists of four groups of flowers spaced evenly around a central circular medallion. This medallion 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 short lines, alternating between a line with a dot at either end and a line with an arrowhead at one end.
The mustard pots (.a) each have a handle made of pulled, ribbed porcelain that was twisted together and applied to the body. A small molded floral decoration has been applied where each handle joins each mustard pot. The bottom of each mustard pot is recessed and glazed. A small, molded, berry-shaped finial has been applied to each lid (.b). The lids are decorated with clusters of flowers, curving lines, and geometric shapes. The lids also have two borders, the first being the "Nanking" border, which is surrounded by a blue border consisting of a band of blue with darker lines creating a diamond, or lattice, pattern inside. Each lid also has a small rectangular section cut out at the rim, most likely to allow a spoon to rest in the cup while the lid was on. Imperfections in the porcelain appear as black dots on the surface of each mustard pots.
One of the lids (.8b) has been damaged significantly, having been broken into three pieces and repaired using a brittle yellow substance.
The mustard pots (.a) each have a handle made of pulled, ribbed porcelain that was twisted together and applied to the body. A small molded floral decoration has been applied where each handle joins each mustard pot. The bottom of each mustard pot is recessed and glazed. A small, molded, berry-shaped finial has been applied to each lid (.b). The lids are decorated with clusters of flowers, curving lines, and geometric shapes. The lids also have two borders, the first being the "Nanking" border, which is surrounded by a blue border consisting of a band of blue with darker lines creating a diamond, or lattice, pattern inside. Each lid also has a small rectangular section cut out at the rim, most likely to allow a spoon to rest in the cup while the lid was on. Imperfections in the porcelain appear as black dots on the surface of each mustard pots.
One of the lids (.8b) has been damaged significantly, having been broken into three pieces and repaired using a brittle yellow substance.
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