A Pair of Large Chinese Blue and White Punch Bowls, Kangxi (1662-1722)

Ref: W526

Archive item - not for sale

A pair of large Chinese blue and white punch bowls, Kangxi (1662-1722), decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with four rectangular panels containing a qilin and precious objects, including ancient ritual vessels, feathers, beribboned scrolls and go-ban; all against a floral cell diaper, the flaring rims with four cartouches containing further ritual vessels and beribboned precious objects, the interiors with a central roundel with a jardinière of flowers including lotus and peony; the inner rim with cell ground and four cartouches. SOLD

Dimensions:

Diameter: 34cm./33.5cm. (13 3/8in./13 1/4in.), height: 16.5cm. (6 1/2in.).

Condition:

Some restoration

Notes:

Punch bowls were made specifically for export to Europe and England in particular, where punch had become a popular drink made using gin originally brought from Holland by soldiers in the army of William of Orange. Other ingredients included citrus fruit and imported spices, and the association of punch with ‘the exotic’ lead to the popularity of porcelain punch bowls, also imports which represented great wealth and refined taste.

Provenance:

Possibly collected by Arthur Barnardiston (d. 1737) and kept at Brightwell Hall until removed to Weston Hall in 1744, thence by descent at Weston Hall. Literature: Sir George Sitwell, 'A brief history of Weston Hall', Northamptonshire London, privately printed 1927, p.43.