Saucer with Thai mythical figures
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Porcelain painted in overglaze polychrome enamels (Bencharong ware for Thai market)
Dimensions
Diam. 4 5/8 in. (11.7 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Culture & Period
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Avery Fund, 1909
Accession Number
09.70.29
Art Historical Context
This delicate saucer, measuring just 4 5/8 inches in diameter, exemplifies Bencharong ware—a rare type of Chinese porcelain crafted during the Qing dynasty (16441911) specifically for elite Thai market. Produced in 19th-century Jingdezhen kilns, it features vibrant overglaze polychrome enamels, a technique where colorful pigments are fired onto the glazed surface at low temperatures, allowing for intricate, jewel-like designs that wouldn't survive higher kiln heats. The saucer's surface bursts with Thai mythical figures, likely including garuda, yaksha, or other legendary beings from Siamese f...