Chinese Porcelain
Blue and White Kangxi Period 1662-1722
Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares
Page 1
Around 1680, Emperor Kangxi (1662–1722) established his authority over all parts of China after a long period of civil strife. The porcelain factories in Jingdezhen that were demolished in 1675 resumed production and within a few years exports were booming. Chinese junks sailed to Batavia, bringing their porcelain to the market. From there, it was shipped to the Netherlands in VOC (Dutch East India Company, 1602–1799) vessels. However, private individuals bypassed the Company and also imported huge quantities of porcelain to Holland. In Europe, a change in dining habits and the introduction of tea and coffee created new demands. New varieties of Chinese export porcelain were produced, including all kinds of Western shapes. Porcelain, sometimes in miniature, was frequently used to decorate house interiors in Europe.
Much porcelain of this period is decorated in a clear, transparent underglaze blue. Popular decorations included the Buddhist lotus motif, a pheasant with long tail feathers on a rock amidst flowers, and the ‘Long Eliza’ with the 'Dancing Fool', the Dutch name for a Chinese lady and a small boy depicted in a garden.
Kangxi porcelain is very well made, with a thin body, a balanced shape and a smooth glaze without impurities. Cobalt blue oxide was subtly applied in varying degrees of saturation, suggesting depth and volume. The colour ranges from a silvery to a deep dark blue; in the best pieces the details and the craftsmanship are amazing. However, due to stricter controls by officials, the freedom and easy way of painting that was so characteristic of the preceding Transitional period now gave way to a more formal style with an emphasis on symmetry and centralism.
Blue and White Kangxi Period 1662-1722 - Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares - Page 1
Object 2010730
Tea caddy
China
1710-1725
Height including cover 109 mm (4.29 inch), height excluding cover 102 mm (4.02 inch), dimensions 92 mm (3.62 inch) x 52 mm (2.05 inch), diameter of mouthrim 29 mm (1.14 inch), weight with cover 306 grams (10.79 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 8 grams (0.28 ounce (oz.))
Tea caddy of rectangular form with an underglaze dark brown-edged rim (jia mangkou), canted corners and a ribbed body on a flat unglazed base. On the flat top an unglazed cylindrical mouth. The original cover is missing. Fitted with an engraved Dutch silver (unmarked) cover. Decorated in underglaze blue. The front and back panel are filled with flowering plants growing from rocks, the side panels contain flowering stems. On top two flowering stems. The cover is engraved with flower heads and leaves.
Condition: Some glaze rough spots to the edges.
Reference:
Price: € 499 Currency Converter
Blue and White Kangxi Period 1662-1722 - Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares - Page 1
Object 2010797
Teacup and saucer
China
c.1700
Height of teacup 44 mm (1.73 inch), diameter of rim 66 mm (2.60 inch), diameter of footring: 33 mm (1.29 inch), weight 34 grams (1.20 ounce (oz.))
Height of saucer 20 mm (0.79 inch), diameter of rim 116 mm (4.57 inch), diameter of footring 66 mm (2.60 inch), weight 54 grams (1.90 ounce (oz.))
Teacup and saucer on footrings, slightly everted rims. Decorated in underglaze blue with so-called, hatching lines technique. On the saucer a central round shaped medallion filled with a flower head. The sides divided into eight lotus petal-shaped panels filled with leafy scrolls, On the rim a meander pattern border. Marked on the base with a single character/shop mark in a double circle, underrglaze blue. On the teacup eight lotus petal-shaped panels filled with leafy scrolls. Around the inner rim a meander pattern border and on the bottom a single flower head. Marked on the base with a single character/shop mark in a double circle, underglaze blue. To the base of the saucer an old paper collectors label that reads: "173"
These criss-cross hatching lines are not a Chinese way of painting on porcelain and may have been influenced by the Dutch. This technique was short-lived for it mostly occurs on blue-and-white export wares around 1700. It occurs on teacups and saucers, beakers and small jars with covers, garnitures and other items. The style was short lived, disappearing in the early 18th century. (Jörg & Flecker 2001, pp.68-69)
For a similarly decorated saucer, please see:
Condition:
Teacup: A popped bubble of glaze caused during the firing process and shallow glaze rough spot to the rim.
Saucer: Two tiny fleabites to the rim.
References:
Jörg & Van Campen 1997, cat. 117
Jörg & Flecker 2001, fig 55-58
Price: Sold.
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