Tea bowl
(c. 1740)
- Medium
- stoneware
- Measurements
- 3.6 × 6.2 cm diameter
- Accession Number
- 2024.478
- Department
- International Decorative Arts
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Patricia Begg OAM Bequest, 2024 - Gallery location
- 17th & 18th Century Decorative Arts & Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International - About this work
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Imitative of Asian lacquerware, the glaze and decoration on this tea bowl reflect the European desire for imported luxury goods. Lacquered furniture and objects first arrived in Europe from Asia in the sixteenth century and quickly became highly prized imports. The resin required to make authentic lacquerware did not survive the long journey to Europe, which significantly added to its rarity. Thus, unable to produce authentic lacquer, many craftsmen perfected the art of imitation through a range of means, as seen in the glossy black glaze over this tea bowl.