Images(2)

Vase and cover

Dateca. 1810

OriginAsia, China, Jingdezhen

MediumPorcelain, soft-paste

DimensionsOH: (with lid) 11 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1996-132,2A&B

DescriptionBaluster-shaped vase with domed cover, one of a five-piece garniture. Each piece has raised and gilt lotus scroll ground overall. Oval reserve on each with the Byng family coat of arms in black, gold, and green enamel. Opposite arms on each piece an oval reserve with a different sepia-toned hand- painted scene of an English country estate.
Label TextOf creamy color, Chinese "hua shih" (or "slippery stone") porcelain like that seen here incorporated additional materials into the basic formula. The resulting ceramics were especially prized for the exquisite detail with which they could be embellished.

This rare garniture was probably made for John Byng, brother of the 6th Viscount Byng and a member of the East India Company. John Byng married in 1806 and it is likely that this garniture was ordered in celebration of that event.

InscribedNo
MarkingsNo
ProvenanceJohn Byng and by descent to the Right Honorable Vicountess Torrington. From thence to a private Boston collection.

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