Sold Ceramics - Sold Blue and White Kangxi Period 1662-1722 - Western Shapes - Page 1

Object 2010986

Salt

China

c.1700

Height 52 mm (2.05 inch), diameter concave top 52 mm (2.04 inch), diameter foot 68 mm (2.68 inch), weight 113 grams (3.99 ounce (oz.))

Salt of circular and square waisted form on a open base. The inside glazed, the lower square part tapering to the waist, the spreading top with a recessed centre, the rim extending downwards. Decorated in underglaze blue with on the sides panels filled with flowering plants and leaves, around the neck a lotus leaves pattern border. The circular concave top moulded and decorated with a chain-pattern around a central flower-head,

Modelled after an European pewter or earthenware salt, the material and the Chinese style decoration made this salt an exotic object that was prominently placed on a richly laid table. At this time salts were ordered separately, and only much later as part of a dinner service. With many Christian connotations, salt was an important seasoning at dinner before the 19th century and salts were larger and more elaborate than they are today. (Howard 1994, p.125), (Jörg 2011/2, p.148)

Condition: Minor glaze fritting to the rim.

References:

Howard 1994, cat. 127

Jörg 2011/2, cat. 142

Price: Sold.