A Chinese Milk Jug, decorated in England between 1780-1830
This jug was originally decorated in underglaze blue, however, at some time between 1780-1830, it was completely overdecorated in England with a pattern of white and pink chrysanthemum heads surrounded by green leaves and linked by a criss-cross design of green stems. The space between the stems is painted with white arabesque scrolls. Each of these decorative elements is narrowly outlined in black. Blue enamel has been carefully applied between each flower, stem, and scroll, to form a vibrant ground. The rim and foot rim are both decorated with a gilt line, and the handle is painted with small red and gold flames, with the original Chinese underglaze blue design highlighted with gilding. The underside of the handle is painted with red enamel.
This rich decoration was particularly favoured by the Regency elite during the early part of the 19th century. At this time, the Prince Regent, later King George IV, was cultivating a vogue for the exotic orient with flamboyant projects such as the Royal Pavilion at Brighton.
Condition: Very good – no restoration, just a minor clay tear to the foot rim, and a small blemish (slither) to the inner foot rim. Some of the white and pink enamels have misfired slightly during manufacture.
Dimensions: Height 9.5 cm
European Decoration on Oriental Porcelain, 1700-1830, Helen Espir (Jorge Welsh Books, 2005).
The Watney Collection of Chinese Porcelain Decorated in Holland and England (Bonhams, 2003).