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Chinese Export Porcelain Bacchus Mug After Derby Porcelain
$2,500
£1,916.57
€2,193.09
CA$3,533.06
A$3,840.30
CHF 2,055.77
MX$46,420.32
NOK 25,906.76
SEK 23,892.76
DKK 16,378.89
About the Item
Cross-Cultural Masterpiece: Rare Chinese Export Porcelain Bacchus Mug.
After Derby,
Circa 1785
An exceptional and rare Chinese Export porcelain mug, modeled in the form of the head of Bacchus (the Roman god of wine), dating to circa 1785. This piece is a direct and meticulous Chinese copy of an English soft-paste porcelain original produced by the Derby factory (during the William Duesbury II period, c. 1780–1785).
The modeling is superb, featuring a naturalistically enameled face with fine details. The eyebrows, beard, and hair are picked out with delicate, lightly etched brown lines. The deity is crowned with an elaborate garland of vine leaves enameled in vibrant green—with veins carefully delineated in grey—and clusters of rich purple grapes. The robust "C" shaped handle is further decorated with stylized vine leaves, while the sides of the handle feature gilt lappet borders.
Condition: Excellent antique condition.
. Enamels remain vibrant.
• No chips, cracks, or restoration observed.
• Gilt highlights on the rim and handle are well-preserved.
Measurements:
• Height: 4 inches (10.2 cm)
• Width: 5 1/4 inches (13.3 cm)
• Depth: 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm)
Historical Context: This mug represents a fascinating moment in ceramic history where the East copied the West. While Chinese potters often worked from prints, here they likely had an actual Derby mug to copy. The original Derby model (often marked with a puce mark, c. 1785) was itself inspired by a long tradition of head-shaped vessels tracing back to Roman antiquity.
• Scholarly Note: As noted by William Sargent, the tradition of such mugs can be traced to the first century BCE in Asia Minor. The specific Derby model was sometimes referred to as "Sailor's Head," "Rodney," or "Neptune," but the vine leaves clearly identify this subject as Bacchus or Dionysus.
Literature
Reference:
• William R. Sargent, Treasures of Chinese Export Ceramics from the Peabody Museum: Pages 472-473, #262 (discussing the lineage from Roman terracotta to this model).
• Elinor Gordon, Collecting Chinese Export Porcelain: Page 115, #106 (illustrating an identical example).
• David Sanctuary Howard, The Choice of the Private Trader: Page 195, Plate 226.
• Barrett
Thorpe, Derby Porcelain: Mentions the "Bacchante mask mug" appearing in the Chelsea-Derby period.
(Ref: NY10038-ppux)
- Dimensions:Height: 4 in (10.16 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Depth: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)
- Style:Chinese Export (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1780-1789
- Date of Manufacture:1785
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Downingtown, PA
- Reference Number:Seller: NY10038-ppux1stDibs: LU861030048662
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Downingtown, PA
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