Saltcellar
MakerMade by
Unknown
Datemid 19th century
MediumDrape-molded Chinese export porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration and overglaze gilding
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 1 3/8 x 4 1/4 x 3 1/2in. (3.5 x 10.8 x 8.9cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineBequest of George Dudley Seymour
Object number1945.1.1408
DescriptionRectangular, Chinese export porcelain saltcellar with hand-painted underglaze cobalt blue decoration showing a Chinese landscape; the saltcellar is a type of Chinese export porcelain known as Cantonware. The saltcellar has straight, vertical sides, a flat rim at the top, and an indentation intended to hold salt. The landscape, found on the indentation of the saltcellar, shows a willow tree with a Chinese structure to the right. A river with a Chinese junk runs through the landscape, with a bridge in the foreground and houses and hills in the distance. The central landscape is surrounded at the rim by a band of blue with darker lines creating a diamond, or lattice, pattern inside. The sides of the saltcellar are plain at the top but decorated with a border near the foot. The "Canton" border at the foot consists of a scalloped line with parallel lines of hatching running inside. Below this is a blue border, with darker lines creating a pattern of diamonds and stars. Imperfections in the porcelain appear as black dots on the surface. There are light scratches along the top rim of the saltcellar.
Status
Not on view
