Saucer

Dateca. 1740

MediumPorcelain, hard-paste

DimensionsD: 4 1/2"

Credit LineColonial Williamsburg Foundation

Object numberOBJ-04BA-01599

DescriptionSaucer excavated from the John Custis site, 04BA–01599Label TextChinese figures in elaborate buildings or garden settings were popular motifs on export porcelain beginning in the mid-18th century. Known in the period as “image china,” this fashion derived from decoration prevalent on Chinese domestic market wares. Scenes from popular literature were frequently represented on porcelain. In 1757, George Washington ordered tea wares like these for Mount Vernon from his factor in England. A number of tea ware sherds decorated this way have been recovered from Williamsburg sites, including this saucer excavated from the John Custis site.