Plate

Dateca. 1730

MediumHard-paste porcelain

DimensionsOD: 9 3/16"; OH: 1 1/16"

Credit LineBequest of Miss Martha B. D. Spotswood

Object number1981-86

DescriptionChinese porcelain plate with two-inch rim and shallow cavetto decorated in opaque enamels with two birds, one in flight and the other perched on a prunus branch. The prunus branch meanders between two large and various smaller chrysanthemum and peony blossoms.

An old green edge rectangular label in file bears the printed words "H.A. EBERHARDT & SON/ ART & CHINA REPAIRING/ 213 S. 11th ST., PHILA., PA. in white within a green rectangle at top. The written note "80619 Williamsburg/rivet" appears below.
Label TextThe peony was known in China as the king of flowers and was among the most popular botanical motifs painted on porcelain. Asymmetrical designs like this one were influenced by Japanese porcelain. Given the early date of this piece, it was likely first owned by Alexander Spotswood or his son Colonel John Spotswood.
ProvenanceMiss Martha B.D. Spotswood, 320 High Street, Petersburg, VA

Exhibition(s)