Sold Ceramics - Sold Blue and White wares since 1722 - Western Shapes - Page 1

Object 2010940

Salt

China

c.1740

Height 53 mm (2.09 inch), diameter scale 60 mm (2.36 inch), diameter footring 74 mm (2.91 inch), weight 122 grams (4.30 ounce (oz.))

Salt of circular waisted form, on an open base. The inside glazed, the lower part tapering to the waist, the spreading top with a recessed centre, the rim extending downwards. Decorated in underglaze blue with around the foot a trellis pattern border with four cartouches filled with flower sprays, on the body three flower sprays and around the rim a trellis pattern border with four cartouches filled with flower sprays. The scalloped dish is decorated with a riverscape with mountains, trees, a house and a figure fishing along a shore.

This salt was moat likely modelled after a European pewter or earthenware salt. It was part of a large 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), (Jörg 2011)

For a similarly shaped salt decorated with famille verte enamels, please see:

Sold Ceramics - Sold Famille Verte (1680-1725) - Object 2010871.

Condition: Frits, chips and a partial rough rim to the underside of the scale, the upper rim of the scale is rough. A frit to the footring and two firing flaws to the inner wall.

References:

Howard 1994, cat. 127

Jörg 2011/2, cat. 142

Price: Sold.