Qing Dynasty Batavian Bowl

Description

Qing Dynasty 18th Century Chinese Hand Painted Batavian Porcelain Wash Bowl

Region: This type of porcelain ware was made in Jingdezhen during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644 to 1912) dynasties.

Diameter: 23cm

Height: 7.5cm

This Qing dynasty blue & white pattern with Batavian brown glaze bowl was exported from China to Batavia, Dutch East Indies (now Jakarta, Indonesia). Basins like this one were not only functional vessels but also artistic masterpieces painted in intricately with great attention to detail.

Ceramics were an essential part of the maritime trade between China and regions of Southeast Asia – and highly sought after by traders and collectors alike. Similar basins produced during this era played a significant role in this trade.

Batavia wares have a typical style of decoration in which large parts of the object are glazed with an under-glaze brown colour. This decoration is also known as “Capuchin ware” or “Cafe au lait”. The decoration is named after the town Batavia, one of the main trading posts of the Dutch East India company. This does not mean that all Batavia wares were shipped via Batavia, instead it correctly reflects a strong Dutch preference for this type of decoration. It is not certain when the first Batavia ware export pieces were shipped to the Netherlands. Trade records indicate that the first 18th century direct shipments of porcelain from China by the Dutch already contained substantial amounts of Batavia wares. Based on the decoration on available pieces, a starting date around 1700 at the end of the reign of the Chinese emperor Kangxi (1662-1722) is most likely.

This Qing bowl is in reasonable antique condition. There is a small chip on the rim, hairline cracks and minor discolouration on the bowl interior. Please view all of the photos concerning this items condition…