Page 42 - Chinese Export Porcelain Art, MET MUSEUM 2003

43. Fan. Chinese (American market), ca. i8oo-i8io. Ivory. W. I67/8 in. (42.9 cm). Gift
of Mrs. Morgan Grinnell, 1932 (32.134.1)

This Chinese exportfan bears the monogram probably imported
RO within a shield and was
by Captain John Osgood (1758-1826) of Salem, Massachusetts. The cipher may refer either
to Osgood's wife, Rebecca, or to his daughter of the same name, in whosefamily the fan
descended. For decadesfans were a staple of thefancy goods comingfrom China, and they
were included in the inventory of the Empress of China'first return voyage. Their intricate
carving held a particularfascinationfor Westerners.

44. Pagoda. Chinese, ca. 1785-92. Ivory and wood. H. 433/4 (III.I cm). Rogers Fund,
in.
1958 (58.73a)

This extraordinarily has a history of having
delicate and intricate nine-story ivory pagoda
been brought backfrom China by Samuel Shaw, who gave it to a relative his wifes, Mrs.
of
survives with the
Josiah (AbigailPhillips) Quincy Jr. Thepagoda, which miraculously
original wooden case used to transport itfrom China, wasprominently displayed in various
Quincyfamily households in Boston, Cambridge, and Quincy, Massachusetts. From 1829
until 1845 it gracedAbigail's sons house at Harvard University during his tenure aspresident.
is
The openwork pagoda complete each roof afretwork
with carved bells suspendedfrom
fence, and willowy, overscaleflowers of stained ivory. A vitrine with classical decorative
rosettes, made to protect thefragile pagoda, survives. It dates to as early as 800o and has been
described as having been designed by the architect Charles Bufinch (1763-1844).

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