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.