Dish

Dateca. 1750

MediumPorcelain, hard-paste

DimensionsOL: 13" OW: 9 3/4" OH: 1 1/4"

Credit LineBequest of Miss Martha B. D. Spotswood

Object number1981-78

DescriptionOf clipped rectangular form (silver shape), this Chinese porcelain dish is decorated in opaque enamels and gilding. Central decoration of peacocks perched on rocks with a disproportionately large cluster of peonies and other flowers sprouting from additional rocks at right, all encircled at the cavetto by a spearhead band. Rim features four floral sprays. Lozenge chain variation with reserves of small blue, white, and ink color leaves at the rim.

Label TextThis is one of the most common Chinese porcelain patterns documented in colonial Virginia. Not only does the pattern have a history in the Spotswood family, but it was also owned by the Middleton family of South Carolina, the Carroll family of Baltimore, and additional families in Wilmington, Delaware; Boston; and Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The design proved to be popular in Europe as well. A large dinner service in this pattern was owned by the Portuguese royal family, and it retained such popularity in England that it was copied in the early 19th century by the Spode factory. This dish was originally owned by either John and Mary Spotswood or the next generation, John and Sallie Spotswood.
ProvenanceMiss Martha B.D. Spotswood, 320 High Street, Petersburg, VA