Dish

Dateca. 1800

MediumPorcelain, hard-paste

DimensionsOL: 17 3/4" OW: 11 9/16" OH: 1 1/2"

Credit LineBequest of Miss Martha B. D. Spotswood

Object number1981-72

DescriptionLarge rectangular Chinese porcelain dish with clipped and notched corners, decorated in underglaze blue. Central scene depicts a pagoda and prunus tree with a chrysanthemum and two-sectioned trellis in the foreground. The background depicts mountains, two flocks of birds flying in V-formation, another building behind a gated wall, and a body of water with two small boats. The cavetto painted with an arc cross-hatched band interruped by four cartouches with demi-flowers. The rim is encircled by a diaper wave or scroll band with various flowers and demi-flowers to the inside.

Label TextOne of the latest of the Spotswood Chinese porcelains, this dish was likely owned by Martha Spotswood’s grandfather, Dandridge Spotswood (1787–1849) of Petersburg. The design is typical of export porcelain that was made during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. By that point, decoration was often inspired by European versions of Asian things rather than by truly Chinese design.
ProvenanceMartha B.D. Spotswood, 320 High Street, Petersburg, Virginia