Both tureens in the shape of an aubergine with its stem and leaves and a squirrel on the cover. They are decorated in underglaze blue with sprays of flowers on the sides. The oval polylobed stands have the same decoration.
Both tureens in the shape of an aubergine with its stem and leaves and a squirrel on the cover. They are decorated in underglaze blue with sprays of flowers on the sides. The oval polylobed stands have the same decoration.
In ancient China, the aubergine bore a significance associated with longevity as well as a prosperous and honorable career. When it is positioned upright with the calyx facing upwards, the aubergine resembles a man wearing a hat. This likeness may explain why it became a symbol of success and high office.
From the 1740’s, ceramic factories like Meissen, Höchst, Chelsea, or Paul Hannong in Strasbourg throughout Europe produced tureens inspired by nature in the shape of various animals, birds, fish, fruits and vegetables. A transition to the genre pittoresque, a new style of naturalist decoration, known as Rococo. Scholars describe these vessels as trompe l’oeil (to fool the eye). Chinese kilns produced similar pieces following the fashion in Europe.
This shape and this decor of tureen is extremely rare. According to our research, we know of only three other identical tureens but without a stand.
What market or private trader commissioned this shape remains an open question. Due to the presence of underglaze blue and the cost of such a model, these tureens could have been ordered by the VOC or the Danish East India Company.
These tureens and stands have common features with several well-known shapes. The dragon-headed carp tureen have identical shape of stand. Several other tureens have covers bearing an animal such as a dormouse, elephant or carp.
There are other blue and white trompe-l’oeil tureens like the “lobed leaf” form. There are famille rose trompe l’oeil tureens shaped as melons, lemons, pomegranates, or peaches. Some models of aubergine-shaped tureens also bear a tobacco leaf decor.
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