Qing Dynasty Guangxu Straits Porcelain Kamcheng Lidded Jar

Qing dynasty, Guangxu period 1875-1908, Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, China.

Charming Chinese Straits kitchen ch’ing porcelain (also known as Nyonya or Peranakan ware) lidded kamcheng jar decorated in underglaze blue with sweet pea blossoms on a ground of sweet pea foliage. Two metal handles (now missing) were attached at the sides by a pair of applied animal mask loops. The flat lid is finely decorated with double happiness character in a nice deep cobalt underglaze blue. In the Hokkien dialect, the term "kamcheng" has been interpreted to mean “covered jar”. The kamcheng has various functions and was made in a wide variety of sizes and colours. In general, it was used for storing drinking water, soups, desserts, and pickles for special occasions. It was also one of the three important wares in Peranakan Chinese wedding ceremonies.

Kamcheng are in good condition. Bright cobalt blue underglaze color. Age-related wear, fritting and glazing flaws. Body and lid appear to be from different originals because of the size and differing shades of cobalt. Size approx. 11,0cm x 13,2cm x 13,2cm.

For a similar examples see:

Covered jar, Freer Study Collection, National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institution, Accession number: FSC-P-3689a-b.                                                  (https://asia-archive.si.edu/object/FSC-P-3689a-b/)

Nonya Ware and Kitchen Ch'ing: Ceremonial and Domestic Pottery, Suan Poh Lim & William Willetts, Southeast Asian Ceramic Society. West Malaysia Chapter, 1981, pp. 74-75