Canton Maritime: Chinese Export Blue & White Oval Serving Dish
American-market,
Circa 1810-20

A substantial Chinese Export porcelain serving dish of oval form, dating to the early 19th century.

Decorated in a rich, dark-toned underglaze blue, the central well features a lively maritime landscape. The scene depicts a series of islands populated by clustered buildings and pagodas, separated by a river with sailing vessels. A prominent feature is a large, two-masted flat-bottomed boat in the foreground, detailed with sails and rigging.

The decoration is framed by bands of dense diaper pattern (geometric trellis). A wide band encircles the rim, while a matching band defines the central well, bordered on the inside by a narrow band of "X" motifs.

Measurements:
Width: 19 inches (48.3 cm)
Depth: 16 inches (40.6 cm)
Height: 2 inches (5.1 cm)

Historical context

By the early 1800s, blue-and-white "Canton" ware had become a staple of Western dining tables, shipped from the port of Guangzhou as part of the lucrative China trade. These wares typically feature idealized scenes of Chinese riverside life-pavilions, bridges, boats, and distant mountains-framed by geometric borders that helped identify specific patterns and workshops. Closely related to the finer "Nanking" group, Canton porcelain was admired particularly in America as both a practical service and a symbol of status and cosmopolitan taste.

(Ref: NY11024-carx)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good condition

Origin:
China

Materials & Techniques:
Porcelain

Details:
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: China

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good condition