COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
ASIA.1979.190
AMICA Library Year:
1999
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Nationality:
Asian; Far East Asian; Chinese
Creator Name-CRT:
Chinese
Title:
Platter
View:
Full view
Creation Date:
Qing period, c. 18th century
Creation Start Date:
1700
Creation End Date:
1799
Materials and Techniques:
Porcelain painted with underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware)
Classification Term:
Ceramics
Creation Place:
China, Jiangxi Province
Dimensions:
H. 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm); D. 19 3/4 in. (50.2 cm)
AMICA Contributor:
Asia Society
Owner Location:
New York, New York, USA
ID Number:
1979.190
Credit Line:
Asia Society: The Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection
Context:
The Qing dynasty (1644-1912) was a period of relative peace and economic prosperity, and also a time of close ties with Europe. The Qing rulers were avid patrons of the arts. In 1677, the Kangxi emperor (r. 1662-1722) rebuilt the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen, which had been destroyed during the fighting that had led to the establishment of the dynasty, and in 1683 the production of imperial ceramics resumed. The creation of a range of opaque overglaze enamels was one of the most important contributions made to ceramic technology during the Qing, including the addition of shades of pink to the overglaze enamel palette. However, the re-creation of earlier ceramic shapes and decorative themes typifies Chinese ceramics during the Qing dynasty as well, when many older traditions were revived.
The large size of this blue-and-white platter and its underglaze blue painting of birds perched on flowering branches resemble those of early 15th-century ceramics. However, the stiffness in the treatment of the birds and branches and the static quality of the peony arabesques encircling the interior rim, or cavetto, indicate that this platter was probably made in the 18th century. Such re-creations were not intended as forgeries. Rather, they were used by the Qing emperors to show their appreciation and knowledge of earlier traditions and to associate themselves with an important period in the history of the nation they had conquered and ruled.
Related Document Description:
Asia Society. Handbook of the Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection. New York: Asia Society, [1981], p. 83.
Related Document Description:
Medley, Margaret. 'Style and Symbolism in Underglaze-Decorated Chinese Porcelain.' Apollo (November 1983), p. 407.
Related Image Identifier Link:
ASIA.1979.190.a.tif
