A PAIR OF CHINESE PORCELAIN 'BATAVIA WARE' SPITTOONS

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Qianlong period, circa 1740

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Each on spreading foot, with a bulbous body and spreading frame, decorated with blue-and-white panels.

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H. 20.5 x Diam. 16.5 cm

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Note:

Export porcelain with underglaze brown and small windows of blue and white, famille rose, imari or iron red and gilt decoration, was very popular in Europe during most of the 18th century. It is called “Batavia ware” because most of it came to Europe by way of Batavia. However, these two rather large spittoons were most likely intended for the Dutch living in Indonesia where they were essential for spitting in the remains after the betel-chewing.