Sherd
second half 16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This sherd (small broken piece of ceramic) tells us much about the vessel of which it was a part. It came from a small bowl that warped slightly during firing, resulting in a domed base. It may originally have been part of a whole piece that was subsequently broken. On the other hand, it may be part of a bowl that mis-fired and broke in the kiln. The simple decoration of a crab among waves indicates that it was a piece of everyday domestic ware.
Ownership & Use
This type of non-imperial ware was used by ordinary people in China but was also exported in large quantities to Western Asia and Europe. The sherd was given by Leigh Ashton, a former Director of the V&A, who was an expert on Chinese and Islamic ceramics.
This sherd (small broken piece of ceramic) tells us much about the vessel of which it was a part. It came from a small bowl that warped slightly during firing, resulting in a domed base. It may originally have been part of a whole piece that was subsequently broken. On the other hand, it may be part of a bowl that mis-fired and broke in the kiln. The simple decoration of a crab among waves indicates that it was a piece of everyday domestic ware.
Ownership & Use
This type of non-imperial ware was used by ordinary people in China but was also exported in large quantities to Western Asia and Europe. The sherd was given by Leigh Ashton, a former Director of the V&A, who was an expert on Chinese and Islamic ceramics.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Porcelain, decorated in underglaze cobalt blue |
| Brief description | Cer, China, Ming, blue and white |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions | Good-luck mark in underglaze blue on the base reads 'Eternal protection and enduring spring (i.e. youth)' |
| Credit line | Given by Leigh Ashton |
| Object history | China, kilns at Jingdezhen in Jiangxi province |
| Summary | Object Type This sherd (small broken piece of ceramic) tells us much about the vessel of which it was a part. It came from a small bowl that warped slightly during firing, resulting in a domed base. It may originally have been part of a whole piece that was subsequently broken. On the other hand, it may be part of a bowl that mis-fired and broke in the kiln. The simple decoration of a crab among waves indicates that it was a piece of everyday domestic ware. Ownership & Use This type of non-imperial ware was used by ordinary people in China but was also exported in large quantities to Western Asia and Europe. The sherd was given by Leigh Ashton, a former Director of the V&A, who was an expert on Chinese and Islamic ceramics. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | C.174-1934 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
