Description:
Chinese export porcelain punch bowl decorated with elements of the 'Rose Mandarin' pattern with its richly-colored painted figures and intricate patterned ground, which has a history of ownership in Porter-Keys Family of Farmington, Connecticut. A paper label from the base reads: "Purchased 10/12/68/ Porter Key family/ Farmington, Ct. #M186." The word 'mandarin' comes from the Portuguese word, 'mandar' meaning to command, by which Europeans in China meant a government official; a mandarin was sometimes shown in the scenes, dressed in Manchu attire with a long coat and trousers, and boots with thick felted soles. The Chinese figures, which were called 'mandarins' whether they were or not, were painted in strong roses, reds, greens, blues, and purples. The 1769 sale catalogue of Private Trade from the British ship, "Osterly," contained several items listed as "mosaic" or "imaged". These references no doubt described the rich red, orange and other backgrounds that were over-painted or gilded and so broken up into repetitive mosaic designs. The manderin style, with its painted figures and intracte patterned grounds, was popular from the mid 18th century well into the 19th century. The exterior has four reserves with scenes of Chinese domestic and garden life in pink, orange-red, greens, blues, purple, and gilding; the interior of bowl has a spray of flowers in the well and an elaborate border of lozenges and scrolling leaves on a field of diamond diapers. The bowl has a tapered base and applied foot rim.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+1999.27.3 |
