Cream jug

Date1750-1752

Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (1745-1769)

MediumPorcelain, Soft-paste

DimensionsH: 2 1/2in. (6.4cm); L (handle to spout): 4in. (10.2cm); W: 3 5/16in. (8.4cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1962-58

DescriptionLeaf-shaped, soft-paste porcelain cream jug. The handle resembles a stem and has two small leaves in relief at the lower terminal. One side, painted in overglaze enamels, is decorated with a scene of two figures. One figure is kneeling on the ground and arrangling flowers in a basket. The second figure stands over the first figure. There is a floral bush on either side of the figures. The other side of the cream jug is decorated with flowers and a flying insect. The interior at the bottom is decorated with a flower painted with red and green enamels. There are two branches of red flowers and a blue bird painted on the inside at the rim.

Label TextViewed from above, the outline of this jug appears as an oriental peach. Jugs of this shape are recorded with various types of painted decoration ranging from European flowers to familiar Kakiemon patterns. The Japanese figure group decoration appears to be unique. Oriental figures in any pattern rarely occur as early as the raised anchor period, with the exception of the familiar lady-and-pavilion pattern, which appears frequently on tea bowls, saucers, and other forms. Chelsea "peach-shaped" plates decorated in various patterns probably were originally intended to be used with jugs of this type.
InscribedNo
MarkingsAnchor in relief on medallion applied to exterior bottom.
ProvenanceEx coll: James MacHarg, Newcastle-on-Tyne
M. G. Kaufman, Chicago

Exhibition(s)