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Spoon rest or tray

China

1780-1820

Measurements

5/8 in x 5 in (dia)

Materials

Gilded and underglaze blue decorated porcelain

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp

Accession Number

1959.3714

Condition Notes

The gilding on the rim is worn.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

The small scalloped circular tray with low scalloped sides was used for tea spoons that were wet with use and not suitable for resting on a table or tablecloth.  The carefully rendered decoration shows images of Chinese buildings with water separating their island sites.  A bridge is visible as are Chinese railings and figures.  Dense and complex decoration on the inside walls forms a kind of border for the composition.  All of the decorative features of this tray readily recall other Chinese porcelains of this time.

This spoon tray is similar to accession no. 1959.3713.