Images(2)

Plate

Dateca. 1812

OriginEngland, Staffordshire

MediumEarthenware, lead-glazed (pearlware)

DimensionsDiameter: 8 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, C. Thomas Hamlin III Fund

Object number2016-206

DescriptionChina glaze earthenware (pearlware) plate decorated with an all-over blue transfer-printed design consisting of a thin linear outer border of circles with dots, four Asian-inspired mythical creatures, most closely related to Qilin or Chinese dragons, symmetrically arranged around the plate with their feet on four snakes. Behind them is a net with reserves containing Asian-style domed buildings. Each reserve appears twice around the rim. The whole futher highlighted with a band of iron-red around the rim.
Label TextIt is not very often that we are able to point to ceramics as being battle booty. But this plate with its underglaze blue transfer print and overglaze orange painting matches the decoration on several examples plundered during the War of 1812. The transfer pattern of fanciful Chinese beasts was used on board the HMS Guerriere and taken by Captain Hull during the battle with the USS Constitution, August 19, 1812.