Title
Tankard painted with figures
Year/Period
18th or 19th century
Region
China
Object Type
Material
Dimension
Object size: 15.7 x 16.0 x 11.6 cm
Accession No.
2019-00500
Collection of
Credit Line
Gift of Pamela Hickley
This porcelain tankard is painted with a group of six Chinese figures in overglaze enamels. One of them carries a flywhisk in his raised hand, and together with their shaven heads and robes, suggest that the figures might be monks or arhats. Such tankards, or cups with a tall and cylindrical body used for drinking ale or beer, were produced for the European market during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). The application of Chinese motifs on European vessel forms highlights the enthusiasm and fashion for Chinese objects as well as the desire for Chinese artisans to cater to their foreign clientele.
