A Chinese ‘Batavian ware’ Jar and Cover, Qianlong, circa 1740-50
This large Chinese export lidded jar is decorated in a rich brown glaze reserved with quatrelobed 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: The famille rose decoration on the jar is finer than that on the matched cover. There is a tiny chip to the knop, and a chip to the flange of the cover which sits within the jar. There is also a tiny chip or frit to the underside of the cover rim. A hairline can be seen to the underside of the jar, although this does not go through to the interior. There are a few minor losses to the enamel decoration on the cover. Manufacturing anomalies include glazing and firing flaws close to the edge of the cover and the jar rim. No restoration.
Dimensions: Height (to top of knop) 13 cm
Chinese Export Ceramics, Rose Kerr and Luisa E. Mengoni (V&A Publishing, 2011).