2011.103 small octagonal plate (one of a set of three)
China
1765-1780
Measurements
3/4 in x 6-3/8 in x 6-3/8 in
Materials
Gilded and enameled decoration on porcelain
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, anonymous loan
Accession Number
2011.103
Condition Notes
The decorated surface on plate 2011.103.1 is worn. Plate 2011.103.2 has a worn surface and a one-piece break in the rim that is repaired with staples. The staples hold the repair together but the parts are loose. Plate 2011.103.3 has a two-piece break in the rim that is repaired with staples and was repainted. The repaint is now discolored.
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
This set of three small plates is part of a large set of export porcelain tablewares featuring octagonal plates, platters, and deep dishes, as well as a pair of sauce boats. All share the same detailed and well-executed decoration. It displays vibrant use of “famille rose” enamels, namely a range of pinks that were developed for use on Chinese porcelains in the early 18th century. Other colors include greens, blue, reds, and gilding to create floral motifs and decorative bands. The central designs depict a large pink carnation with smaller floral sprays. A colorful butterfly-like motif is among the smaller sprays.
The borders are divided into four or eight repeats, in keeping with the octagonal theme of the object shapes. The outer border—a deep band with scalloped inner edge, alternates between rose and burnt orange sections, each of which incorporates a rectangular panel depicting a bird and a flower. The borders have gilded highlights. In the larger objects within the set, white enamels set off certain parts of the decoration, notably in the wide borders.
Individual members of this tableware set are represented by the following accession nos.:
2011.103, set of three small octagonal plates
2011.104, set of five octagonal plates (part of the same set as four additional plates, accession no. 1968.826)
2011.105, pair of small octagonal deep dishes
2011.106, set of four large octagonal deep dishes
2011.107, set of six octagonal deep dishes
2011.108, pair of sauce boats
2011.109, pair of small octagonal platters
2011.110, small octagonal platter
2011.111, octagonal platter
2011.112, deep platter
Additional plates and platters were made by Spode in Stoke-on-Trent, England, between 1833 and 1847 to expand this Chinese set. They are accession nos. 2011.102, 2011.113, and 2011.115.
