Exceptionally unique and large Chinese blue and white export porcelain bowl extensively ‘clobbered’ (overpainted) in England with a stunning pattern featuring dragons, butterflies and numerous floral sprays. Bowl was originally commissioned as a monogrammed blue and white bowl with owners’ initials framed by underglaze blue circles. Outlines of these monograms are still visible under the overglaze enamels. Conditions in the kiln were not optimal when it was fired and this resulted in black specks visible in the white glaze and around the foot rim. These imperfections explain why this particular example was later ‘clobbered’.
Style of the clobbering indicates that it was done in the early 19th century in London. English clobber ware was produced by studios known as ‘China burners’ that offered services such as repair or re-glazing of damaged ceramics and – as in this case – overglaze enamelling to cover flaws in the porcelain. One known decorator active around this time in London was antiques dealer Unsworth based in Soho Square who produced clobber ware in the kiln in his own back garden.
In very good antique condition. One tiny rim chip and hairline to the foot as per photographs. English pseudo-Chinese red mark to the base.
Diameter: 31 cm
Origin: China
Date of production: Late 18th to early 19th century (Qianlong or Jiaqing period); later clobbered in England
Material: porcelain
References:
Blacker, J.F., 1919. Chats on Oriental China. Bell and Cockburn.
https://gotheborg.com/glossary/clobbered.shtml
