Description:
Chinese export porcelain covered hot-water dish with two handles, decorated with a figure of Armed Freedom holding a sword and shield, accompanied by a flying eagle. These dishes were used to keep the food warm, after being placed on the table. Even many years after the founding of the new nation, Chinese porcelain decorated with patriotic emblems found a market in America. The source of this design was an allegorical fresco painted by Constantino Brumidi (1805-1880) of "The Apotheosis of George Washington," located in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. Born and trained in Rome, Brumidi had painted in the Vatican and Roman palaces before coming to America in 1852. Completed in 1865, Brumidi’s mural deified Washington and surrounded him with 13 maidens symbolizing the original colonies and with six scenes representing War, Science, Marine, Commerce, Mechanics, and Agriculture. The image of Armed Freedom was central to the allegory of war, and is depicted defeating Tyranny and Kingly Power. This design may have been particularly popular during the Centennial celebrations of 1876. The poor quality of this piece and HD 62.119 (dish) is indicative of the decline of workmanship seen in Chinese export porcelain at the end of the 19th century. As seen on the finial of the cover, detail in the molded elements has been lost; the surface of the porcelain is extremely pitted and irregular; and the poorly fired overglaze enamels have flaked off through use and handling. Few pieces decorated with this pattern survive; they include a vase, dishes, and this covered hot-water dish, used to keep food warm at the table.
Tags:
allegory Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+62.120 |
