Images(6)

Saucer Dish

Dateca. 1730

OriginAsia, China, Jingdezhen

MediumHard-paste porcelain

DimensionsOverall: 15.9cm (6 1/4in.)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, C. Thomas Hamlin III Fund

Object number2015-208,2

DescriptionFluted saucer dish decorated in underglaze blue, the wells of each decorated with three aster blossoms amidst swirling and scrolling clouds all within a central circle at the cavetto. Each with 16 panels enclosing individual asters on leafy stems respectively. The exterior of each dish painted with two scrolling vines with one blossom per vine.Label TextDecorated in underglaze cobalt blue with flowers resembling asters, dishes of this form were often referred to as saucer dishes in period accounts and inventories and follow metal forms of the same period and are often seen as serving pieces on the dessert table.

The decoration and fluted shape matches fragments recovered from the Geddy house site on Duke of Gloucester Street and probably owned and used by James and Anne Geddy before James’ death in 1744. It is possible that James brought the dishes with him from Scotland when he settled in Williamsburg in the 1730s.