Chinese Tea Bowl
AssociatedAssociated with
Daoguang
(Forbidden City, Beijing, China, 1782 - 1850)
DateQing Dynasty, late 19th century
Object NameBowl
Mediumporcelain and gilt
ClassificationsCeramics
DimensionsOverall: Height: 5.4 cm
Rim: Diameter: 8.7 cm
Base: Diameter: 3.5 cm
Rim: Diameter: 8.7 cm
Base: Diameter: 3.5 cm
AcquisitionPresented in 1968 by Miss V Thomson.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS000802
About MeThis porcelain tea bowl has van enamelled decoration of four multicoloured figures and a gilt rim.
The base and outer body are painted with chinese characters and the mark of the Sixth Emperor of the Qing Dynasty Daoguang (known in the West as Tao-kuang) who ruled from 1820-1850.
When tea was first imported to Britain in the 17th century, it was usual to drink it from bowls in the Chinese manner.
Paintings of the period show a silver tea service with porcelain bowls. Porcelain was used so that the bowl would not be too hot to handle when filled with tea.
In the early days of trading, tea was a luxury commodity, exclusive to those who could afford it. The decorative containers in which it was served were also highly prized.
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, c.1795
19th Century
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
Qing Dynasty, late 19th century
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty Qianlong/Jiaqing Period, 1736 - 1820
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736-1796
Kuang-Hsu Dynasty, 1875-1908
