Vase thumbnail 1
Not on display

Vase

ca. 1780 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The technique of enamel painting on copper was first developed at the imperial workshops in Beijing during the Kangxi reign (1662-1722), possibly due to the influence of the Jesuit missionaries working at court. A layer of enamel was applied on the copper surface and fired; the coloured ground was then painted with polychrome enamels and the object fired for the second time.

Enamelling on copper began to be produced in Canton at the end of the 17th century, both for the domestic and export markets. This vase, made by special order for European clients, imitates English porcelain models produced at the Chelsea-Derby factory by William Duesbury, active between 1770 and 1784, from designs by Boreman and Asker. Neo-classical shapes were especially popular after 1779; Chinese copies were presumably made in about 1780-1785. The landscape subject on this example was probably inspired by the views of the Derbyshire countryside that were painted on the English porcelain originals; the figures in classical dress were instead a reflection of the new taste for neoclassical designs.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Enamel on copper
Brief description
Copper vase painted in polychrome enamels with landscape and classical figures, China, Canton, Qing dynasty, ca. 1780.
Physical description
Enamelled copper vase imitating a Greek vase shape, with egg-shaped body, two handles on the shoulders, narrow neck and everted mouth, and high narrow base spreading to the foot, which is attached to a square stand.

The body, handles and sides of the base are painted in blue and gold, with gold stripes running down the body, a gold scroll band on blue round the shoulders, blue and gold lappets at the mouth and small blue in gold circles on the handles. On both sides of the body are oval cartouches, painted in polychrome enamels; one contains a landscape view, the other two female figures in classical dress. The mouthrim and corners of the base are gilt.
Dimensions
  • Height: 22cm
Styles
Gallery label
(1987)
Vase
Enamel decoration on copper
Copied from a porcelain original made at the Chelsea-Derby factory.
About 1780.
Subjects depicted
Summary
The technique of enamel painting on copper was first developed at the imperial workshops in Beijing during the Kangxi reign (1662-1722), possibly due to the influence of the Jesuit missionaries working at court. A layer of enamel was applied on the copper surface and fired; the coloured ground was then painted with polychrome enamels and the object fired for the second time.

Enamelling on copper began to be produced in Canton at the end of the 17th century, both for the domestic and export markets. This vase, made by special order for European clients, imitates English porcelain models produced at the Chelsea-Derby factory by William Duesbury, active between 1770 and 1784, from designs by Boreman and Asker. Neo-classical shapes were especially popular after 1779; Chinese copies were presumably made in about 1780-1785. The landscape subject on this example was probably inspired by the views of the Derbyshire countryside that were painted on the English porcelain originals; the figures in classical dress were instead a reflection of the new taste for neoclassical designs.
Bibliographic reference
Vinhais, Luisa and Jorge Welsh, eds., China of All Colours: Painted Enamels on Copper, London: Jorge Welsh, p. 32, fig. 9. Clunas, Craig (ed.). Chinese Export Art and Design. London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 1987, p. 70, fig. 57.
Collection
Accession number
FE.45-1983

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Record createdOctober 2, 2008
Record URL
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