Coffeepot

Unknown

ca. 1710 · Hard-paste porcelain decorated in underglaze blue · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

This model of coffeepot appears to be the earliest produced in China for export to Europe. Its tall, tapering octagonal form was influenced both by Dutch Delftware coffeepots and by English silver coffeepots. This early production of coffeepots for export to the West reflects the speed with which the Chinese export ceramic industry responded to the growing demand for coffee wares in Europe. This form proved hard to fire because of its straight sides and angles, and it soon was replaced by a more easily produced cylindrical model.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1710

Medium

Hard-paste porcelain decorated in underglaze blue

Culture

Chinese, probably for Dutch market

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Purchase, Winfield Foundation Gift and Rogers Fund, 1978