Skip to main content

Charger

c. 1790
Artist/maker unknown, Chinese, for export
The 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.

Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.