Hot-Water Dish

Public Domain

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CultureChinese

Titles

Hot-Water Dish

Datec. 1810–1820

Made inChina, Asia

MediumHard-paste porcelain with enamel and gilding

Dimensions2 3/4 × 15 5/8 × 11 in. (7 × 39.7 × 27.9 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase in honor of Ann Lacy Crain by her daughter Lacy Crain

Object numberB.2007.1

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Kilroy Center

On view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

CERAMICS

DescriptionAbout 1800, a pattern in Chinese export porcelain, now known as “Fitzhugh,” was introduced. It is characterized by four quadrant decorations symbolic of the Chinese scholar’s attributes: calligraphy, chess, music, and painting. In the center is a mythical beast known as the qilin, which could also be substituted with a monogram, coat of arms, vignette, or an eagle. The latter was typically based on the great seal of the United States and, today it is the most sought after of these designs. This orange-red hot water dish is closely related to a platter that is associated with John R. Stockton, who represented New Jersey in both the House and Senate. This example, made with a double bottom and spouted, was designed to help keep food warm.
ProvenanceHelena Woolworth McCann (1878–1938); Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York, to benefit the Restricted Endowment for the Purchase of Works of Art; consigned to [Sotheby's, New York, "A Celebration of the English Country House," April 4–5, 2007, lot 243]; purchased by MFAH, 2007.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Painted in red on the underside, a previous accession #(?): "1211.41"

Printed on the ribbon held by the beak of the central eagle: E PLURIBUS UNUM
Labels on the underside:
"729 / 1211.41", "A-KAG / 471.20:53 / 55: 3.60", "(barcode) / 3HTZP / N08301 0243"

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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