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Spoon, Guangzhou, 1800-1830

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · partial

Period

1800-1830

Spoon, Guangzhou, 1800-1830 is an object recorded by Victoria and Albert Museum, dated 1800-1830. The museum's brief description reads: Spoon, painted enamels on copper, Guangzhou, China, 1800-1830. Museum description: Spoon decorated with polychrome painted enamels. The interior of the spoon is painted with turquoise enamel. The exterior sides and handle of the spoon are deocrated with scrolling floral motifs against a turquoise and yellow ground. The museum record gives material recorded as Copper, enamel; measurements Length 4.125 in; place associated: Guangzhou. These details come from the holding museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
1
Photograph views
1
Catalogue references
0

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Painted enamels of this kind were commonly known in English as 'Canton enamel', after the main centre of their production in South China. They were popular export products in the 18th and 19th centuries. These copper wares were also produced in Beijing for imperial consumption. In Chinese they were referred to as 'foreign porcelain' (yangci 洋瓷).

Physical characteristics

Material
Copper, enamel
Dimensions
Length 4.125 in

Technical characteristics

Technique
Painted enamels on a copper body
Place recorded
Guangzhou

Identification

Museum object name
Spoon
Museum object number
2417A-1876
Museum system number
O493898

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.

Research required

  • Research required: confirm materials, dimensions, maker and wider type against the museum record and a specialist reference.
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