Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 125, Grove Room

Vase

1700-1800 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This vase is made of fine porcelain painted in underglaze blue with a design of lotus flowers and foliage. The lotus in particular was a decorative motif associated with the East. Commonly known as 'Chinese blue-and-white', vases like this were used to decorate the interiors of many British homes in the 19th century.

Chinese blue-and-white porcelain wares had been imported into Britain since the 16th century. Although by the 1870s they were no longer rarity items, they continued to feature prominently in interior design. Rooms were filled with blue-and white porcelain of different shapes and sizes to create a sumptuous effect. Older pieces were displayed alongside newer products.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Porcelain, painted in underglaze cobalt blue
Brief description
Blue and white vase
Dimensions
  • Height: 35.5cm
  • Width: 25cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 18/05/2000 by LH
Object history
Purchased from a source not recorded in the Asia Department registers, accessioned in 1863. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project.
Summary
This vase is made of fine porcelain painted in underglaze blue with a design of lotus flowers and foliage. The lotus in particular was a decorative motif associated with the East. Commonly known as 'Chinese blue-and-white', vases like this were used to decorate the interiors of many British homes in the 19th century.

Chinese blue-and-white porcelain wares had been imported into Britain since the 16th century. Although by the 1870s they were no longer rarity items, they continued to feature prominently in interior design. Rooms were filled with blue-and white porcelain of different shapes and sizes to create a sumptuous effect. Older pieces were displayed alongside newer products.
Collection
Accession number
7804-1863

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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