Page 248 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1942.9.555-556 (€-408-409)
Pair of "Ruby-back" Dishes

Qing dynasty, second quarter of the eighteenth century
Porcelain with overglaze famille rose enamels,
13
3
1942.9.555: 3.5 X 19.9 (l /8 X 7 /16)
3
1942.9.556: 3.5 x 20.3 (i /s x 8)
Widener Collection
TECHNICAL NOTES
A great deal of the blue enamel on the interior of 1942.9.556 has
worn away. The foot-ring is unglazed, and the base is covered
with colorless glaze.

PROVENANCE
J. Pierpont Morgan [1837-1913], New York. (Duveen Brothers,
New York and London); sold 1915 to Peter A. B. Widener,
Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheritance from
Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by gift through power of appoint-
ment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.

HESE "RUBY-BACK" DISHES are similar in technique to
T1942.9.553 and 1942.9.554. 1 The exterior is covered
with a lavender or "ruby"-colored monochrome glaze,
the finely mottled surface of which indicates that it was
blown or sprayed on. The central design is the same on
each dish: a scene of two quail on a river bank next to
chrysanthemums, Taihu rocks, and beautifully painted
butterflies. These central panels are enclosed by concen-
tric diaper bands on the rim, and the cavetto is designed
with yellow and lavender grounds. The diaper bands have
superimposed panels of flowers and stylized dragons.
SL

NOTES
i. See the discussion of "ruby-back" wares in the essay on
Chinese ceramic techniques.

REFERENCES
1904-1911 Morgan: 2: 4, nos. 26-27.
1947 Christensen: 22.

232 D E C O R A T I V E A R T S