Barber's Basin

Currently not on view

Barber's Basin

c. 1712

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese, for export to the English market

This basin holds the coat of arms of the Walker family. It is uncertain for whom this object was made, but one possibility is Dr. William Walker, a doctor of laws and a judge advocate from Hertfordshire. The Walker crest (a sun in splendor on a wreath, seen in the border decoration of the basin) appears mistakenly on another dinner service that bears the Somers coat of arms. Chinese painters probably used a piece with the Walker arms as a model for the Somers service and, being unfamiliar with the significance of the crest, included it in the decoration in error.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Barber's Basin

Date:

c. 1712

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese, for export to the English market

Medium:

Hard-paste porcelain with underglaze blue, enamel, and gilt decoration

Dimensions:

4 1/8 x 11 1/2 x 13 5/8 inches (10.5 x 29.2 x 34.6 cm)

Classification:

Containers

Credit Line:

The Henry P. McIlhenny Collection in memory of Frances P. McIlhenny, 1986

Accession Number:

1986-26-305

Geography:

Made in China, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

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Currently not on view