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Canteen

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At A Glance

On View

Period

early 15th century
Geography

Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Material

Porcelain with cobalt pigment under colorless glaze
Dimension

H x W x D: 46.9 × 41.8 × 21.3 cm (18 7/16 × 16 7/16 × 8 3/8 in)
Accession Number

F1958.2
EDAN ID

edanmdm:fsg_F1958.2

Object Details

Description

Large flask with flat unglazed back, small round neck and two ring handles.

Clay: fine white porcelain, fired reddish on unglazed surfaces.

Decoration: in underglaze blue; floral scrolls, waves; a curious eight-pointed star.
Label

The large, flat expanses and sharp angles natural to a metal shape are difficult to translate into porcelain clay, which, when so forced, tends to warp and crack during firing. This porcelain canteen is one of a group of blue-and-white ceramics, that may have been made for a Chinese clientele fascinated by Islamic metalware forms. The hybrid decoration on this canteen combines waves, a common Chinese motif; Chinese floral scrolls that seem to reflect awareness of Islamic arabesques; and an Islamic eight-pointed star on the central boss. Like its metal counterpart, the back of this canteen bears a socket, but it is uncertain whether this porcelain vessel, far heavier than the metal version, was ever used. It may have been a purely ornamental piece.
Provenance

David de Pinna, London [1]

Probably from at least 1930s to 1947

Arthur de Pinna (d. 1947), London, by descent from his father David, probably from at least 1930s [2]

From 1947 to 1957

Clare de Pinna, Chiswick, London, by descent from her husband Arthur in 1947 [3]

1957

Sale, Sotheby’s, London, “Fine Early Chinese Pottery and Porcelain…,” October 29, 1957, lot 166: “An Important 15th Century Large Blue and White Circular Flask” (ill.)

From 1958

Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from Sotheby’s Sale through John Sparks, Ltd., London [4]

Notes:

[1] Information kindly relayed by Clare de Pinna’s family in an email communication, December 21, 2018.

See also statement by John Sparks Ltd., dated November 1, 1957, according to which the canteen “descended to [Mrs. Clare de Pinna] from her husband’s side of the family and was a treasured possession of this Portuguese family before he had it.”

[2] See note 1.

[3] See note 1. Clare de Pinna’s provided a statement, dated October 31, 1957, in which she confirmed that the canteen had been in her possession prior to December 1950, copy in object file.

[4] John Sparks bid on the object and acquired it on behalf of the Freer Gallery of Art, see correspondence between John Sparks and John A. Pope, Assistant Director, Freer Gallery of Art between September 20, 1957 and March 14, 1958, copies in object file.
Collection

Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History

Engaging the Senses (October 14, 2017 - ongoing)

Arts of the Islamic World (May 3, 1998 to January 3, 2016)

Crosscurrents in Chinese and Islamic Ceramics (March 1, 1996 to July 1, 1997)

Chinese Ceramics (May 9, 1993 to April 17, 1995)

Chinese Ceramics (March 15, 1982 to July 10, 1986)

Chinese Art (March 9, 1981 to March 12, 1982)

Chinese Ceramics (April 11, 1978 to September 4, 1980)

Untitled Exhibition, Canteens, South Corridor (June 19, 1971 to September 25, 1971)

Chinese Art (January 1, 1963 to March 6, 1981)

Untitled Exhibition, Chinese Ceramics (March 7, 1957 to January 1, 1963)

Centennial Exhibition, South Corridor (February 25, 1956 to October 27, 1959)
Previous custodian or owner

Mrs. Clare de Pinna

Sotheby's (London)

John Sparks, Ltd. (1890-1992)
Origin

Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China
Credit Line

Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Type

Vessel
On View

Freer Gallery 04: Engaging the Senses
Restrictions and Rights

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