ewer BM-1990-0411.1

Period:Qing dynasty Production date:17thC
Materials:copper, gold, enamel,
Technique:cloisonné (enamelling), gilded,
Subjects:animal makara
Dimensions:Height: 27.20 centimetres Weight: 1.70 kilograms Width: 18 centimetres Depth: 14 centimetres

Description:
Chinese cloisonné enamel lidded ewer, of globular-Mughal shape, with gilt elephant handle and a ‘makara’-headed spout. Made of cloisonné enamel on copper with gilding.
IMG


Comments:Rawson 1992:The globular shape of this ewer, as well as the elephant-shaped handle, the ‘makara’-headed spout and the spirals on the knob suggest either that it was made for the Indian Mughal market or that it was influenced by Indian metalwork. Similar shapes occur in 17th-century ‘bidri’ ware from India and in white Iranian fritware of the 17th century. Indian influence in China was particularly noticeable in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century. Specialist items were produced for the Indian market, such as porcelain ‘huqqahs’ or this cloisonné piece.