Object description
Made from porcelain and decorated with silver-gilt, this Chinese bowl dates to between the 16th and 17th century AD.
The bowl is divided into panels on the outside. Flying horses decorate the top sections whilst sprays of flowers and berries can be seen underneath. Fruit and birds are visible between the leaves. This decoration has been created with a cobalt underglaze.
Porcelain in these colours began to be produced in huge quantities in China in the 17th century- almost all of this was exported. Chinese porcelain was highly prized in Europe. However, the silver-gilt additions were made in Europe. These provided protection and added extra decoration.
Chinese porcelain was so popular in Europe that Queen Elizabeth I is said to have given a piece to her godchild Sir Frances Walsingham (who incidentally was also Secretary of State during her reign).
Silver-gilt mounted Chinese bowl/ceramic,Porcelain, Metal,silver/16th to 17th century AD/The Hunt Collection/PD
Silver-gilt mounted Chinese bowl/ceramic,Porcelain, Metal,silver/16th to 17th century AD/The Hunt Collection/PD
Silver-gilt mounted Chinese bowl/ceramic,Porcelain, Metal,silver/16th to 17th century AD/The Hunt Collection/PD
Chinese ceramics- context
Blue and white ceramics in China began to be produced as early as the 7th century AD. At this time, the vessels had a more coarse appearance and were greyish in colour.
However, in the 13th and 14th centuries, potters discovered a better technique which involved using firing and adding kaolin clay. These were widely produced in China but it is thought that those produced in the city of Jingdezhen produced the best quality. Located in eastern China, Jingdezhen is still often referred to as the “Porcelain Capital” as its ancient porcelain production spans approximately 1700 years.
Large quantities of blue and white Chinese porcelain were exported to Europe from the beginning of the 16th century. Interestingly, the most well-known type of Chinese porcelain exported to Europe during initial trade was known as “Kraak” porcelain. This is taken from the Portuguese word “carracas”, referring to the Portuguese trading ships that initially transported the porcelain to Europe.
Sources
Chinese Blue and White Ceramics. Victoria and Albert Museum. https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/chinese-blue-and-white-ceramics
The Hunt Museum Essential Guide. Scala Publishers. 2002.
https://www.unesco.org/en/creative-cities/jingdezhen
