The Baptism
Dish
ca. 1725 (made)
ca. 1725 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
The scene depicted on this dish illustrates the 'Baptism of the Jordan', as described in a section of Matthew's gospel in the New Testament. St. John, carrying his staff, pours water over Christ's head, while the Holy Spirit is represented as a dove radiating rays of light in the sky. The inscription 'Mat 3, 16' gives a direct reference to Matthew's gospel. A decorative band with leaves and fruits on the rim is inspired by similar designs used on Delftware.
Scenes of baptism, together with the crucifixion, were the only scenes depicted on Chinese porcelain before 1740, possibly due to the importance of this sacrament in the evangelical activities of missionaries in China. This large dish is one of the earliest pieces illustrating scenes from the Bible and the design was probably copied by Chinese potters from either an illustrated Bible, popular print or etching. The dish may have been used by local residents, as well as being exported to Europe.
Scenes of baptism, together with the crucifixion, were the only scenes depicted on Chinese porcelain before 1740, possibly due to the importance of this sacrament in the evangelical activities of missionaries in China. This large dish is one of the earliest pieces illustrating scenes from the Bible and the design was probably copied by Chinese potters from either an illustrated Bible, popular print or etching. The dish may have been used by local residents, as well as being exported to Europe.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | The Baptism (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Porcelain, painted in underglaze blue and gilt |
| Brief description | Dish, porcelain painted in underglaze blue and gilt; China, Jingdezhen, Qing dynasty, Yongzheng period, ca. 1725 |
| Physical description | Dish of porcelain, painted in the middle with the Baptism of Christ, probably after a European print. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Object history | Purchased from a source not recorded in the Asia Department registers, accessioned in 1860. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | The scene depicted on this dish illustrates the 'Baptism of the Jordan', as described in a section of Matthew's gospel in the New Testament. St. John, carrying his staff, pours water over Christ's head, while the Holy Spirit is represented as a dove radiating rays of light in the sky. The inscription 'Mat 3, 16' gives a direct reference to Matthew's gospel. A decorative band with leaves and fruits on the rim is inspired by similar designs used on Delftware. Scenes of baptism, together with the crucifixion, were the only scenes depicted on Chinese porcelain before 1740, possibly due to the importance of this sacrament in the evangelical activities of missionaries in China. This large dish is one of the earliest pieces illustrating scenes from the Bible and the design was probably copied by Chinese potters from either an illustrated Bible, popular print or etching. The dish may have been used by local residents, as well as being exported to Europe. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 6787-1860 |
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| Record created | June 25, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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