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
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.
Object number1945.1.1408
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