Plate

Dateca. 1799

MediumHard-paste porcelain

DimensionsDiameter: 6 1/4 in.; OH: 13/16 in.

Credit LineGift of James Boswell and Christopher Caracci

Object number2020-13,2

DescriptionSmall plate: small plate with ogee-shaped rim decorated with overglaze blue enamel and gilt scrollwork and toothed borders; well of plate with central overglaze blue and gilt urn encircled by a blue and gilt band.Label TextCommodore Richard Dale ordered a Chinese porcelain service decorated in the same pattern as this small plate and the custard cup (2013-1). The order for the service survives and part of the service is the collections of the Independence Seaport Museum. Among the forms listed are pots de crème and a variety of dishes and plates. A Navy brat, Dale was born in Norfolk, Virginia, but ended up living much of his adult life in the Philadelphia area. He served as First Lieutenant of the ship “Bonhomme Richard” under John Paul Jones and was one of the original six commodores of the US Navy appointed by George Washington. In between the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, he captained merchant ships involved in the early years of the America’s direct trade with China. A voyage to Canton via the ship “Alliance” in 1799 was his final venture to Canton and most likely the voyage during which he ordered the service that matches the decoration on this piece.