CLEIJ ORIENTAL ART
Chinese Imari barber's bowl
Description
Whereas the vast majority of Chinese export porcelain produced for the European
market consisted of tea and dinner service sets, occasionally specialty pieces were
commissioned. This exceptional barber's, or shaving, bowl is an example of such
a specialty item. The decoration of this bowl consist of peony and lotus flowers,
painted with great artistic skill. The rim is decorated with three groups of flowers
and fruits. The decoration is typical for the 1st half of the 18th century. This
bowl dates from the reign of the Chinese emperor Kangxi (1662-1722) or just thereafter.
In this context it is remarkable that a study of the records of the Dutch East India
Company reveals that during the 1729-1760 period Chinese Imari shaving bowls were
purchased in China only three times (in 1737, 1742 and 1748, totaling less than
850 pieces!). Hence, this Imari basin is a rare and unique piece. The diameter of
this interesting basin is 10.75 inches (about 27.5 cm).
Condition
Good, with noticeable chipping to the rim. Remarkably for a barber's bowl, there
is only minimal wear to the highlights.
Age
1st half of the 18th century.
Price $975
Please refer to
item no. 1KC007 when making inquiries.
Click on thumbnails for enlargements
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