Soup Plate

Date1752-1758

Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (1745-1769)

MediumPlate, Soft-paste

DimensionsDia: 10 1/16"; H: 1 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1962-24

DescriptionOctagonal, soft-paste porcelain soup plate with a raised ridge near the rim. There is a line of brown, iron oxide on the edge. There is a band of red and gold floral decoration on the ledge. The center of the plate is decorated with two birds. One is flying and it is painted with red and orange enamels. The other bird is painted with blue, yellow, and red enamels. It sits in a light blue mound, which is next to a small tree with blue limbs, leaves in shades of blue, and red and gold flowers.

Label TextThis Kakiemon design, employing the familiar Chinese and Japanese hoho bird, was popular at Chelsea during the red anchor period. Chelsea designers used the perched-bird motif as early as the triangle period. The hoho bird has been identified as "a form of phoenix, described in Japanese catalogues as the bird of Paradise." The band circling the plate on the rim appears on many Japanese bowls and plates, both octagonal and decagonal in form, and incorporates different familiar Kakiemon designs.
InscribedNo
MarkingsRed anchor painted on bottom
ProvenanceEx coll: M.G. Kaufman, Chicago

Exhibition(s)