Dish with John the Baptist
Christian symbols appear on Chinese porcelain as early as the early sixteenth century, but this unusually large plate is one of the first known works with a biblical scene. The composition depicting John the Baptist and Christ in the Jordan River is based on a passage from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, as indicated by the inscription ("MAT. 3, 16"). The plate may have been intended for export to Europe or for use by recently converted Christians in China.
Artwork Details
- Title: Dish with John the Baptist
- Date: ca. 1715–25
- Culture: Chinese, made for export
- Medium: Porcelain painted with cobalt blue under a transparent glaze
- Dimensions: Overall (confirmed): 3 1/4 × 20 in. (8.3 × 50.8 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics-Porcelain-Export
- Credit Line: Gift of R. Albuquerque, 2016
- Object Number: 2016.166.2
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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Chinese, for Dutch market
ca. 1730
Chinese, for European market
late 17th century
Chinese, for European, probably Dutch, market
ca. 1740–45
Chinese, for European, probably Dutch, market
ca. 1740–45
Chinese, for European market
1700–1725
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