Cantonese Export Porcelain
Late 19th century Cantonese famille rose bowl and plate made for the Middle East market
Museum collection holds two Cantonese export porcelain objects – a plate and a bowl.
Plate (ca 1879–1880, Qing dynasty) by Jingdezhen ceramic kiln, decorated in Guangdong provinceThe Art Museum RIGA BOURSE
Both the plate and the bowl have the same dedicatory nasta'liq inscription in Persian.
Bowl (ca 1879–1880, Qing dynasty) by Jingdezhen ceramic kiln, decorated in Guangdong provinceThe Art Museum RIGA BOURSE
The inscription reads: “Commissioned by His Excellency, the most Auspicious, the most Glorious, the Sublime, the most Noble, the Exalted Sultan Mas'ud Mirza Yamin al-Dawlah Zill al-Sultan 1297”.
It shows that the objects were made specifically for the Qajar prince Mas’ud Mirza Yamin al-Dawlah Zill al-Sultan (1850–1918).
Plate (ca 1879–1880, Qing dynasty) by Jingdezhen ceramic kiln, decorated in Guangdong provinceThe Art Museum RIGA BOURSE
He was a Persian prince of the Qajar Dynasty, the eldest son of Nasser-al-Din Shah. His mother was a commoner, so he was not in line to the Qajar throne.
Zill al-Sultan held the post of governor in various southern provinces of Persia for 40 years with his army and British support. He was one the most powerful and richest figures and for a time the absolute ruler of seventeen cities of the country. In 1887–1888 his territory was reduced to Isfahan.
Bowl (ca 1879–1880, Qing dynasty) by Jingdezhen ceramic kiln, decorated in Guangdong provinceThe Art Museum RIGA BOURSE
This plate and bowl are part of a large service. Dated 1297 AH (Hijri calendar), 1879–1880 AD (Gregorian calendar).
Plate (ca 1879–1880, Qing dynasty) by Jingdezhen ceramic kiln, decorated in Guangdong provinceThe Art Museum RIGA BOURSE
They are made in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province. Decorated in Guangdong province in Qing dynasty (1644–1911), reign of the Guangzu emperor (1875–1907).
Bowl (ca 1879–1880, Qing dynasty) by Jingdezhen ceramic kiln, decorated in Guangdong provinceThe Art Museum RIGA BOURSE
The bowl and plate are extensively decorated with various motifs in polychrome enamel.
Plate (ca 1879–1880, Qing dynasty) by Jingdezhen ceramic kiln, decorated in Guangdong provinceThe Art Museum RIGA BOURSE
Cartouches depict figural scenes alternating with depictions of floral sprays, birds and butterflies divided by bands of trellis motifs.
Bowl (ca 1879–1880, Qing dynasty) by Jingdezhen ceramic kiln, decorated in Guangdong provinceThe Art Museum RIGA BOURSE
All the motifs are on blue ground-colour decorated with lotus flowers.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.