Chinese Export Porcelain Blue & White Canton Large Serving Dish

Details

Description

River Crossing: Chinese Export Blue & White Canton Large Dish
Circa 1785-1800

A monumental Chinese Export porcelain underglaze blue serving … Read more River Crossing: Chinese Export Blue & White Canton Large Dish
Circa 1785-1800

A monumental Chinese Export porcelain underglaze blue serving platter of chamfered rectangular form, dating to the turn of the 19th century.

Executed in the popular "Canton" (or Nanking) style, the dish is decorated in vibrant underglaze blue with a classic river landscape. The central scene features a prominent pagoda situated on a rocky island, connected to the mainland by an arched bridge where a lone figure is depicted walking. The background is filled with layered depth, showing distant mountainous islands and small boats sailing on the water.

The rim is framed by a dense, geometric diaper (trellis) border, decorated with shaped cartouches and an inner "spearhead" band, details often associated with the higher-quality "Nanking" variations of this export ware.

Measurements:
Width: 19 inches (48.3 cm)
Depth: 16 1/2 inches (41.9 cm)
Height: 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm)

Historical Context:

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, this style of blue and white porcelain was the standard for fine dining in America and Europe. The scene depicted is a variation of the "Willow" pattern themes—pagodas, bridges, and boats—which were idealized Western representations of the Chinese landscape. The presence of the "diaper" border (as opposed to the cloud/rain border) suggests this piece may be classified by some collectors as "Nanking" ware, known for its slightly finer potting and more intricate border designs than standard Canton.

(Ref: NY11023-cplx) See less