Chinese Cantonware Cream and Sugar 18th/19th Century

Details

Description

Hand-painted and potted early American ware produced in Canton, China in the late 18th or early 19th century. The glazes … Read more Hand-painted and potted early American ware produced in Canton, China in the late 18th or early 19th century. The glazes are thick and oh so soft. The cobalt blue paintings are intricate, fine and are precursors to the willow ware pattern.

Heavy, thickly potted porcelain round vessels painted with a nice dark blue cobalt underglaze. The design is of pagodas and buildings surrounding a lake with fishing boats, and there is the ubiquitous willow trees on both. Both pieces have borders at the mouth and scrolling floral paintings on the handles. The glazes feel smooth, silky, thick and look shiny.

Both the sugar and creamer have applied loop handles. They have unglazed shallow, cut foot rings, and the bases are glazed. The sugar bowl has an unglazed mouth. It probably once had a lid.

There are no marks or labels.

MEASUREMENTS
The sugar measures 5 ½” (14.0 cm) wide x 4 ¼” (10.8 cm) diameter x 3 ¾” (9.5 cm) tall.
The creamer measures 4 7/8” (12.4 cm) long x 3 ½” (8.9 cm) diameter x 3 ½” (8.9 cm) tall (at tip of handle)
Total weight 1 lb 3.2 oz (545 g)

CONDITION
There are no cracks, chips or breaks. The spout and handles on the creamer have some glaze frits. There are glaze flaws, such as black dots, cobalt explosions, bumps, and pinhole reserves. The glazes are bright and shiny. The sugar is missing its lid.

A great pair of Canton ware serving pieces to add to your early American collection. They will look great with many decors like shabby chic, French country, or eclectic. See less