A Chinese ‘Batavian ware’ Jar and Cover, Qianlong, circa 1740-50
This small Chinese export lidded jar is decorated in a rich brown glaze reserved with leaf-shaped panels painted with famille rose flowers.
‘Batavian ware’ is characterised by a deep coffee-coloured or brown glaze, often incorporating reserved panels of famille rose or underglaze blue decoration. It takes its name from Batavia (present-day Jakarta), the trading port of the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie – VOC), from which the porcelain was shipped to Europe.
Provenance: The Ian and Antonia Macpherson Collection, Old Hall, Blofield, Norfolk.
Condition: There is a short hairline to the underside of the cover, and a pinhole firing flaw to the rim. The cover is a loose fit and fired to a slightly darker shade, so may be matched. A very small spider crack is visible to the interior of the jar only. There is very minor discolouration to the interior base and the underside. Manufacturing flaws include irregular glaze distribution, and typical pinholes and clay tears. There is a tiny spot of glaze recession to the jar rim from firing. No restoration.
Dimensions: Height (to top of knop) 9.6 cm
Chinese Export Ceramics, Rose Kerr and Luisa E. Mengoni (V&A Publishing, 2011).