Cream Ewer
Original OwnerOriginally owned by the
Ira Webster family
(American)
MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateearly 19th century
MediumMold-formed, Chinese export porcelain with gilding and overglaze enamels in black, orange, purple, and green
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 5 x 6 1/8 x 3 5/8in. (12.7 x 15.6 x 9.2cm)
Other (length x width of fragment): 3 3/8 x 2 1/4in. (8.6 x 5.7cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Dr. Annie C. Miller
Object number1941.9.2.1a-b
DescriptionChinese export porcelain cream ewer with gilding and hand-painted overglaze enamels in black, orange, purple, and green. It sits on a foot and has a wide, flared rim, and a molded and applied handle in the shape of a branch. The tip and sides of the branch-shaped handle are gilded, although much of the gilding has worn off. There is a thin border of a curving, orange enamel, and a scalloped line at the foot, the shape of which imitates the appearance of ocean waves. Opposite the handle, beneath the spout, is the cream ewer's primary floral decoration. This consists of a purple flower and orange blossoms, surrounded by green leaves and smaller flowers. The final, well worn, decoration on the cream ewer is a border on the top surface of the wide rim. The border consists of two solid black lines, with a dotted line between. Below this is an undulating black line with abstract orange enamel embellishments where the line curves up to meet the straight border above.
One large piece of the rim and side below has broken off completely. That piece is now numbered 1941.9.2.1b. There is an additional hairline crack below this break, and another separate chip and crack to the right of the handle. Much of the enamel has worn off the cream ewer, especially in the borders at the rim and foot. The gilding on the handle has also worn off.
One large piece of the rim and side below has broken off completely. That piece is now numbered 1941.9.2.1b. There is an additional hairline crack below this break, and another separate chip and crack to the right of the handle. Much of the enamel has worn off the cream ewer, especially in the borders at the rim and foot. The gilding on the handle has also worn off.
Status
Not on view
