Teapot

Public Domain

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CultureChinese

Titles

Teapot

Datec. 1800–1820

Made inJingdezhen, China, Asia

MediumHard-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding

Dimensions5 3/4 × 9 5/16 × 5 1/4 in. (14.6 × 23.7 × 13.4 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by the Crain Foundation on behalf of Mrs. Lacy Crain and Mr. Joe Galloway

Object numberB.2024.1.A,.B

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Bayou Bend Dining Room

On view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionChinese porcelain had long been a highly prized commodity in colonial America. With the establishment of the United States of America and the conclusion of the American Revolution, the new nation began to trade with China directly. In February of 1784, the ship Empress of China set sail from New York City for Guangzhou, initiating this trade relationship. Imports of porcelain made specifically for the American market increased greatly. Clients requested their initials, heraldic emblems, or patriotic symbols on tablewares. This teapot, featuring an American-flagged warship, seems to acknowledge that the young nation’s naval power was indispensable to ensuring the security of its international trade.
ProvenanceWilliam Insco Buchanan (1853–1909) and Laura “Lulu” Williams (1855–1928), Buffalo, New York; given to their daughter Florence Williams Buchanan (1879–1941), Williamsville, New York; given to her daughter Mary Lulu Williams (1912–2001), Williamsville, New York; given to her daughter Ellen Buchanan Avery, Buffalo; consigned to [Shultz Auctioneers, Clarence, New York, October 15, 2020, lot 65]; purchased by Dr. Vartan Ghugasian (d. 2022), Arlington, Massachusetts; Estate of Dr. Vartan Ghugasian; [Grogan & Company, Boston, “Chinese Export: A Boston Collection,” August 16, 2023, lot 271]; [Polly Latham Asian Art, Boston, 2023]; purchased by MFAH, 2024.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Front and back: Gilt initials on both sides of ship: PH

[none]

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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