Unknown Chinese
Dinner Plate

Public Domain

ExpandFavorite

Maker Unknown Chinese

CultureChinese

Titles

Dinner Plate

Datec. 1861–1870

Made inChina, Asia

Used atSmithtown, New York, United States

MediumHard-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding

Dimensions1 1/8 × 9 5/8 in. diameter (2.9 × 24.4 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by Mr. and Mrs. Steve Smith in honor of Michael K. Brown

Object numberB.2004.38

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Ceramics Study Room

On view

Explore Further

Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionThis plate and a cup and saucer (B.2004.39.1, .2) bear the cipher of Ethelbert Marshall Smith of Smithtown, Long Island. Fashioned between 1861 and 1870, they date from a period generally regarded as the second phase of the American China trade. During this time, commerce was greatly impacted as more Chinese ports were opening for foreign trade. Furthermore, the European presence diminished as Western porcelain factories garnered more and more of their domestic trade. As a result, by the second half of the 19th Century the Americans became the dominant factors in the China trade. Other examples of this service can be found at Winterthur.
Provenance[H. Moog Antique Porcelains, Smithtown, New York]; purchased by MFAH, 2004.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Mark in ink on underside: ..1.514-25
Inscribed on top: EMS in cipher (see provenance)

Printed label on the underside: H. Moog / ATLANTA

Labels in ink on underside: "$650-", "445"

Cipher in center of plate: "EMS" (See provenance)

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.