Aquarium
Author: Unknown
Origin: China
Dating: c.1740-1750 (Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period)
Material: Porcelain & Metal
Dimensions (cm): 40,9 x Ø 65,5
Inv. no.: PD0474
The exterior decoration displays horizontal motifs parted by golden lines with the “bianco sopra bianco” technique. The painting is in white enamel relief over transparent glaze which coats most of the object. One may see a scroll of peonies and lotus flowers, with foliage and garlands of golden clovers and ruyi head scrolls.
The interior displays five large carp in shades of red and grey, encased by algae and flowers.
The technique internationally known as “bianco sopra bianco” – which literally means “white on white” – originated in Italy in the 16th century and was rapidly adopted by manufacturers in other ceramic producing countries. From the the 18th century onwards, Chinese ceramics – which had long been geared to meet the demands of both Eastern and Western markets – gradually and efficiently adopted a whole formal and aesthetic repertoire in the kilns of Jingdezhen and Guangzhou. This allowed China to meet the growing volume of orders from the European market.
