East Asian Art Charger Made in China, AsiaQing Dynasty (1644-1911), c. 1790, Qianlong Period (1736-1795) Artist/maker unknown, Chinese Porcelain with overglaze enamel and gilt decoration Currently not on view 2001-135-2 Gift of Sir David Bruce Duncan and Lady Deana Pitcairn Duncan, 2001 |
LabelThe designs on this piece differ from most late-eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Chinese porcelain made for export to India. Instead of showing motifs popular among Europeans (and favored by Indian Muslims), it depicts Chinese auspicious symbols that include lotuses, peaches, and pomegranates, and has cartouches in the ruyi ("according to [your] will") shape--all of which are meant to wish the owner longevity and good fortune. The Chinese enamelers who copied Arabic script for their customers often misplaced dots and characters, making the Urdu inscriptions difficult to decipher, as on this plate. |
