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Chinese export ceramic warming plate

DateLate 19th century

Object number00025973

NameWarming plate

MediumCeramic

DimensionsOverall: 50 x 250 x 280 mm, 1360 g

ClassificationsTableware and furnishings

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionFilled with hot water through a spout on the side, double-walled warming plates such as this one were produced in a variety of decorative styles for the European market. This one is decorated in the Famille Rose style and exhibits the bright colours and floral motifs typical of this style.HistoryIn the 14th century small quantities of Chinese porcelains were introduced into Europe via overland routes, but following the Portuguese discovery of a sea route to Asia at the end of the 15th century, larger quantities became available. Ceramics were used to fill cargo spaces in ships returning to Europe and, because they were unaffected by water, they were generally placed in the lowest part of the vessel. The new influx of ceramics influenced European taste and stimulated the popularity of Chinese ceramics in Europe. In China, potters responded by producing ceramics which in their decoration and colours were designed to appeal specifically to the European market. These wares are generally termed Chinese Export porcelain.SignificanceWarming plates such as this were recovered from the vessel SYDNEY COVE wrecked in the Furneaux Group of islands in Bass Strait in 1797 and are significant as examples of Chinese Export ceramics imported into the colony of New South Wales shortly after the first European settlement of Australia.