Platter

Datelate 18th-early 19th century

MediumDrape-molded Chinese export porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (width x depth): 19 3/8 x 16in. (49.2 x 40.6cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineBequest of George Dudley Seymour

Object number1945.1.1422.4

DescriptionOval Chinese export porcelain platter with hand-painted underglaze cobalt blue decoration; the platter is a type of Chinese export porcelain known as Nankingware. The underglaze decoration shows an elaborate and well painted Chinese landscape in various shades of blue. In the middle of the landscape, a tree stands at the edge of a body of water with three groups of Chinese structures on a hill behind the tree. A path winds up the side of one hill to a fourth structure on the side of a mountain. There are two paths that cross the river to the left and right of the tree. Several boats float in the water, and many small figures and animals populate the buildings and landscape. The landscape is located on the bottom surface of the platter and is surrounded by a series of borders. The first is a plain blue line, followed by a field of white, followed by a border consisting of a band of blue with darker lines creating a diamond, or lattice, pattern inside. At three points, this border is interrupted by an area of white containing a wavy line and various figures and geometric patterns (perhaps inspired by the Eight Taoist Immortals and their symbols). This border is surrounded by a field of white, then the "Nanking" border, which is a pattern of short lines alternating between a thin line with a dot at either end and a thin line with an arrowhead at one end. The "Nanking" border is surrounded by a border of scrolls, leaves, and abstract floral motifs at the rim of the platter. Imperfections in the porcelain appear as black dots on the surface.

Status

Not on view