Very Rare! Tea bowl with ship from the Qianlong period, circa 1736–1795

Being offered is another beautiful 18th century tea bowl (cup) from the Qianlong period (1736–1795) considered the "Golden Age" of the Qing dynasty. It has a diameter of 3 1/2” and is 2” high. On both side of the bowl is a beautiful ship painting, featuring three masts and multiple flags. This bowl is Chinese porcelain with a decoration copied directly from a European model. This is called  'Chine de commande',  a special group within the much wider assortment of Chinese export porcelain.

In the 18th century, teacups evolved from handle-less "tea bowls" to the familiar, handled cups we know today, often made from porcelain imported from China or replicated by European manufacturers.

Into the 18th century, Chinese ceramics were being made specifically for European export and traded in large quantities until ceramic manufacturers in England and Europe began to master and successfully market their own porcelain. Chinese products held a mysterious fascination, prized for its superior quality, and the fashion for Chinese porcelain thrived.

There are examples in "Collector's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution", by Neumann & Kravic (see pictures). There are also examples of tea bowls in the Colonial Williamsburg Museum and an excavated example at the Fort Ticonderoga Collection (see pictures). Shards of these cups are often found at Revolutionary War sites, validating their use (see pictures). After all, one of the major causes of the war was “The Boston Tea Party”.

The cup has a couple of crazing “hairlines”, but being smooth on both the inside and outside, provide evidence that they are not really “cracks”, but within the porcelain, which occurs being almost 300 years old. These bowls featuring ships are very rare and sought out by serious collectors. I show an ad with a similar example, although having much more detail, selling for $1850.00. It would make a great addition to a Colonial collection or even a softer touch to a Revolutionary War collection.

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Throughout history, war has been a constant presence, shaping civilizations and societies. From the earliest days of humanity, conflict has persisted in various forms, and based on historical patterns, it is likely to continue in some manner. This ongoing reality has given rise to a deep fascination among historians and collectors who seek to understand the past through the tangible remnants left behind, i.e. uniforms, guns, swords, artillery.

While significant attention is given to weapons and military gear, the everyday items used by soldiers frequently go unnoticed. Simple objects like forks, spoons, cups, dishes, pots, and knives played an essential role in a soldier’s daily life. These items were as precious to the individual as their weapon, serving practical needs and providing comfort amidst the hardships of war. I myself have always appreciated their importance in showing a complete representation in a collection.   Bob