This salt dish was produced in the kilns of Jingdezhen in southern China during the Wanli period (1573-1619). At this time many objects were made after European models, which were specially provided by the trading companies to Chinese porcelain factories.
The shape of this piece derives from an English standing salt of about 1580; the decoration is instead a traditional Chinese subject depicting pairs of birds and qilin, one of the four mythical animals in Chinese cosmology.
Physical description
Porcelain salt dish, hexagonal, shaped as an English standing salt, each side painted in underglaze blue alternately with a pair of birds and a qilin in a landscape; diaper pattern on the border. The base has four feet shaped as monster heads.
Place of Origin
China (made)
Date
ca. 1580-1620 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown
Materials and Techniques
Porcelain painted in underglaze blue
Dimensions
Height: 14.3 cm From register (5.6 in.), Diameter: 13.7 cm From register (4.4 in.)
Descriptive line
Porcelain salt dish painted in underglaze blue, China, Ming dynasty, ca. 1580-1620
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Hobson, R.L. The Wares of the Ming Dynasty. London: Benn Brothers Limited, 1923, p. 97
Kerr, Rose and Luisa E. Mengoni Chinese Export Ceramics London: V&A Publishing, 2011, pp.21-22, pl.14
Labels and date
Salt dish
Porcelain with decoration in underglaze blue
In the form of an English silver standing salt of about 1580.
About 1580-1620.
Salting Bequest [1987]
Materials
Porcelain
Techniques
Underglazing; Moulding
Subjects depicted
Qilin; Birds; Diaper-work
Categories
Porcelain; Ceramics; Food vessels & Tableware
Collection
East Asia Collection