Object Description
A very fine, porcelain cup and saucer set from the Chinese Tek Sing shipwreck. The two items are richly decorated in blue and white. The small cup depicts a floral motif of alternating potted flowers and those growing from the earth. Close inspection reveals that the artist has depicted both chrysanthemums and blossoms. A single, narrow line frames the floral frieze at the top, just below the rim. Inside, within the centre, is a small bird, shown sitting on a rock. Most likely it is an eagle, given the nature of its curved beak. Horizontal lines border the bird, imitating the natural landscape. Concentric circles frame the scene, whilst a spiral frieze decorates the rim of the bowl. The saucer is also richly decorated, with a similar scene. A more detailed eagle is perched on a rock in the centre, the landscape surrounding him. Potted chrysanthemums appear above and below the bird, whilst entwining blossoms sprouts from the right and left. A blue band enframes the pastoral scene, sitting just beneath the rim of the saucer. The reverse of the plate is decorated with two linear patterns, perhaps simple foliage, framing a simple ring base. There is some encrustation to the reverse, typical of shipwreck pottery.
Date: Circa early 19th century AD
Period: Qing Dynasty