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Canton
Produced in mainland China as a crude, quick, easy-money export, blue Canton, with its blue underglaze and Chinese landscape scenes, in traditional Oriental shapes as well as shapes that mimicked English silver, was the first porcelain to be introduced in Great Britain. Its popularity skyrocketed. (Canton’s willow trees, pagoda, and bridge motif is similar to the design of English willowware, which it inspired.) By the late 17th century, the Dutch East India Company was importing more than 3 million pieces of Canton each year. It was such a common part of their cargo that ship captains came to rely on heavy cartons to raise their more valuable teas and silks above the water line on open sea voyages. Thus Canton earned the unrefined sobriquet “ballastware.”
In 1785 the Empress of China brought to New York the first goods made in China for export to America, including Canton. As the whaling industry gained a strong foothold in the United States, American clipper ships began a steady sea trade from both coasts to the Far East, returning with Canton as well as teas and spices.
The quality of Canton varies with the date of export. The finest examples date from 1790 to 1820. Later, poorer quality pieces have blurred outlines and flaws. Goods of lesser quality were often sent to America.
Many pieces of Canton were made to order. The British East India Company offered a book listing available sizes, shapes, and designs, and customers ordered by number. Designs could incorporate elaborate coats of arms, or be simple copies of familiar Victorian shapes such as shaving mugs, garden seats, and even toothbrush holders.
Modern collectors prize Canton, but the Chinese did not, believing it to be thick and ungraceful, with a problem of inconsistent glazing that continued for hundreds of years. Today, these crude, heavy pieces, varying in glaze from gray to deep cobalt blue, can command prices as high as several thousand dollars. Rare pieces include flower pots with trays, hollow candlesticks, and helmet-shaped pitchers.
When judging the age of Canton, remember that after 1891, all items entering the United States had to show the country of origin. Thus, pieces marked “China” or “Made in China” are certain to be of later manufacture.
Did you find the perfect canton piece? Share how your antiquing find happened!
In 1785 the Empress of China brought to New York the first goods made in China for export to America, including Canton. As the whaling industry gained a strong foothold in the United States, American clipper ships began a steady sea trade from both coasts to the Far East, returning with Canton as well as teas and spices.
The quality of Canton varies with the date of export. The finest examples date from 1790 to 1820. Later, poorer quality pieces have blurred outlines and flaws. Goods of lesser quality were often sent to America.
Many pieces of Canton were made to order. The British East India Company offered a book listing available sizes, shapes, and designs, and customers ordered by number. Designs could incorporate elaborate coats of arms, or be simple copies of familiar Victorian shapes such as shaving mugs, garden seats, and even toothbrush holders.
Modern collectors prize Canton, but the Chinese did not, believing it to be thick and ungraceful, with a problem of inconsistent glazing that continued for hundreds of years. Today, these crude, heavy pieces, varying in glaze from gray to deep cobalt blue, can command prices as high as several thousand dollars. Rare pieces include flower pots with trays, hollow candlesticks, and helmet-shaped pitchers.
When judging the age of Canton, remember that after 1891, all items entering the United States had to show the country of origin. Thus, pieces marked “China” or “Made in China” are certain to be of later manufacture.
Did you find the perfect canton piece? Share how your antiquing find happened!
kjacobso |
Latest page update: made by kjacobso
, May 24 2007, 12:58 PM EDT
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13 words added view changes - complete history) |
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