Object Details
Description
Large flask with flat unglazed back, small round neck and two ring handles.
Clay: fine white porcelain, fired reddish on unglazed surfaces.
Decoration: in underglaze blue; floral scrolls, waves; a curious eight-pointed star.
Label
The large, flat expanses and sharp angles natural to a metal shape are difficult to translate into porcelain clay, which, when so forced, tends to warp and crack during firing. This porcelain canteen is one of a group of blue-and-white ceramics, that may have been made for a Chinese clientele fascinated by Islamic metalware forms. The hybrid decoration on this canteen combines waves, a common Chinese motif; Chinese floral scrolls that seem to reflect awareness of Islamic arabesques; and an Islamic eight-pointed star on the central boss. Like its metal counterpart, the back of this canteen bears a socket, but it is uncertain whether this porcelain vessel, far heavier than the metal version, was ever used. It may have been a purely ornamental piece.
Provenance
David de Pinna, London [1]
Probably from at least 1930s to 1947
Arthur de Pinna (d. 1947), London, by descent from his father David, probably from at least 1930s [2]
From 1947 to 1957
Clare de Pinna, Chiswick, London, by descent from her husband Arthur in 1947 [3]
1957
Sale, Sotheby’s, London, “Fine Early Chinese Pottery and Porcelain…,” October 29, 1957, lot 166: “An Important 15th Century Large Blue and White Circular Flask” (ill.)
From 1958
Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from Sotheby’s Sale through John Sparks, Ltd., London [4]
Notes:
[1] Information kindly relayed by Clare de Pinna’s family in an email communication, December 21, 2018.
See also statement by John Sparks Ltd., dated November 1, 1957, according to which the canteen “descended to [Mrs. Clare de Pinna] from her husband’s side of the family and was a treasured possession of this Portuguese family before he had it.”
[2] See note 1.
[3] See note 1. Clare de Pinna’s provided a statement, dated October 31, 1957, in which she confirmed that the canteen had been in her possession prior to December 1950, copy in object file.
[4] John Sparks bid on the object and acquired it on behalf of the Freer Gallery of Art, see correspondence between John Sparks and John A. Pope, Assistant Director, Freer Gallery of Art between September 20, 1957 and March 14, 1958, copies in object file.
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History
Engaging the Senses (October 14, 2017 - ongoing)
Arts of the Islamic World (May 3, 1998 to January 3, 2016)
Crosscurrents in Chinese and Islamic Ceramics (March 1, 1996 to July 1, 1997)
Chinese Ceramics (May 9, 1993 to April 17, 1995)
Chinese Ceramics (March 15, 1982 to July 10, 1986)
Chinese Art (March 9, 1981 to March 12, 1982)
Chinese Ceramics (April 11, 1978 to September 4, 1980)
Untitled Exhibition, Canteens, South Corridor (June 19, 1971 to September 25, 1971)
Chinese Art (January 1, 1963 to March 6, 1981)
Untitled Exhibition, Chinese Ceramics (March 7, 1957 to January 1, 1963)
Centennial Exhibition, South Corridor (February 25, 1956 to October 27, 1959)
Previous custodian or owner
Mrs. Clare de Pinna
Sotheby's (London)
John Sparks, Ltd. (1890-1992)
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Date
early 15th century
Period
Ming dynasty
Accession Number
F1958.2
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Vessel
Medium
Porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze
Dimensions
H x W x D: 46.9 × 41.8 × 21.3 cm (18 7/16 × 16 7/16 × 8 3/8 in)
Style
Jingdezhen ware
Origin
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
On View
West Building (Freer Gallery of Art), Gallery 04: Engaging the Senses
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
ceramic
flower
Jingdezhen ware
Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644)
China
porcelain
Chinese Art
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_F1958.2