Plate
Dateca. 1740
OriginAsia, China, Jingdezhen
MediumHard-paste porcelain
DimensionsDiam: 10 1/8"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1992-21
DescriptionPlate with hand-painted cobalt blue underglaze decoration. The center painted with a floral spray of an iris and clematis along with three stages of the life of a moth; the cavetto decorated with an undulating deep blue border and traces of gilding. The rim painted with an intertwining pattern of arabesques, foliage, and geometric patterns in the manner of Cornelis Pronk. Brown edge to rim. Foot ring unglazed and integral to the body.Label TextThe works of German-born naturalist and artist Maria Sybille Merian served as the design source for the central decoration of an iris, clematis, and Cinnabar moth on this exquisitely painted plate. The central design is a composite created from elements of several different plates derived from Merian's 1717 caterpillar book entitled Raupenbuch, her 1718 book Erucarum Ortus, and a complete book of her drawings published in 1730. Although German-born, Merian lived and worked in the Netherlands. Her various naturalistic elements were most likely compiled for use on this and other porcelain plates with the same motif by Dutch East India Company artist and designer Cornelius Pronk.
InscribedNone
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceH. Moog, Antique Porcelains, Atlanta
(Paper/foil label on underside for Henry Moog, Atlanta.)
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