Images(4)

Hong Bowl

Dateca. 1787-1788

OriginAsia, China, Jingdezhen

MediumHard-paste porcelain, enamel, gilding

DimensionsOH: 5 7/8"; OD: 14 1/4".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Joseph H. and June S. Hennage Fund

Object number2023-4

DescriptionHong bowl: circular foot supports slightly flared bowl, the exterior painted in opaque enamels with a continuous scene of two-story Western-style arcaded trading houses referred to as "Hongs" located along the Guanzou (Canton) waterfront at the mouth of the Pearl River. The offices or Hongs are shown flying the flags of France, Denmark, the Philippines, the United States, Sweden, Great Britain, and The Netherlands. A second American flag is overpainted between the British and Dutch flags, representing the earlier location of the United States' Hong before the office was relocated.
Label TextLocated at the mouth of China's Pearl River on the Guangzhou (Canton) waterfront, Hongs were the trading offices rented by Westerners from Chinese government officials. Ship captains and supercargoes ordered punch bowls to commemorate their voyages, the vibrant exterior decoration depicting the hongs with each office flying the flag of its respective country. This punch bowl bears the flag of the young United States at its second location.
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