Standing salt
China
1765-1780
Measurements
1-3/8 in x 3-1/4 in x 2-3/4 in
Materials
Gilded and enameled decoration on porcelain
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, anonymous loan
Accession Number
2011.115
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
This ovoid standing salt is from the same set of tablewares as a pair of deep dishes, accession no. 2011.100, and a set of eight plates, 2011.101. The painted decoration is very similar to that on a large Chinese porcelain set of plates, platters, and a pair of sauce boats with accession nos. between 2011.103 and 2011.112. Like the larger set, these dishes have complex and well-executed decoration highlighted by use of “famille rose” enamels. They were a range of pinks developed for use on Chinese porcelains in the early 18th century. Other colors include greens, blue, reds, white, purple, and gilding.
The designs depict a pair of large carnations, one pink and the other in purple. Similar smaller carnations decorate the center and rim of the dishes, along with a few insects in the well. A rich red border with gilt scrollwork and four white panels encircles the inside of the rim. The outer edge, which is scalloped, is marked by a gilded band of trefoils outlined in red.
The underside of the salt is unglazed.
