Basin

1985.R.910-911
Ewer and Basin

Of all the shapes commissioned by Europeans, this is one of the most successful. A continental silver or pewter model of this form was probably sent to China for copying to ensure accuracy in filling orders. Appropriate to a vessel intended to pour water, the ewer is shaped like a nautilus and the basin like a scallop shell.

Scholars disagree as to the date of such pieces. The baroque quality of the forms and the survival of related examples with "famille rose" colors suggest an early 18th-century origin. However, documents of the Dutch East India Company note that ewers and basins were first ordered in 1762 and that those requested were shell-shaped. The decoration was to be "in the Dresden manner" (Jörg, 1982, 174). It is arguable that the tracery seen here is based on gilt scrollwork used at the Meissen factory Germany during the third quarter of the 18th century. Perhaps future research will resolve this quandary.

"Decorative Arts Highlights from the Wendy and Emery Reves Collection," page 100