Bowl
Unknown Artist
1785–90
Medium
Porcelain
Dimensions
Diam. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)
Classification
Bowl
Culture
Chinese, for American market
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of James T. Woodward, 1910
Accession Number
10.149.134
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate porcelain bowl, crafted in China specifically for the American market between1785 and 1790, exemplifies the burgeoning trans-Pacific trade that flourished after the American Revolution Measuring just 6¼ inches in diameter, it as a luxurious tableware item for affluent U.S. households, showcasing China's mastery of porcelain production—a medium prized for its translucency, durability, and ability to hold intricate painted designs fired at high temperatures. The bowl's decoration features birds and a coat of arms motifs customized to appeal to Western clients, likely symbolizing f...