“Made to order” Chinese porcelain for the Dutch market during the first half of the 17th century
This is the Annual Dr H Y Mok Memorial Lecture
The aim of the presentation is to show how demands for Chinese porcelain in the Dutch Republic were fulfilled; what quantities were ordered, and which shapes were favoured. This is part of Dr Ketel’s thesis: Dutch Demand for Porcelain. The Maritime Distribution of Chinese Ceramics and the Dutch East India Company (VOC), first half of the 17th century.
Dr Ketel shows that commissions sent from the Dutch Republic to trade posts in East Asia underwent several changes. At first, there were not many orders, and the focus was on flatware and shallow bowls. Up to 1622, these were purchased from Chinese merchants in Patani, present day Malaysia, and Batavia, the main trade post of the VOC in Asia.
In 1624, the VOC established a trading post on Formosa, present-day Taiwan, which remained in operation until 1662. During this period, further adaptations to orders took place. However, it was only from 1634 that deliveries became more constant, orders increased and contained more specific instructions as to shapes and designs, often accompanied by samples to be copied. These included Western items like beer tankards and candlestick holders, and above all, only non-western designs were accepted. The peak in the quantities transported by the VOC occurred during a relatively short period of between 1635 and 1650.
Dutch orders for porcelain were decisive in activating the porcelain production in China during the first half of the 17th century, especially when the main kilns in Jingdezhen had been closed. This enabled potters from private kilns to apply new designs and produce shapes unknown to them.
The Society is grateful to Dr Edwin Mok for sponsoring this lecture.
Venue Access Information: The Society of Antiquaries welcomes wheelchairs and mobility vehicles however since the main entrance consists of steps they will provide a ramp if needed which can be arranged by calling 020 7479 7095 prior to your arrival. Essential companions are also welcome and Hearing Loops are built into the Lecture Room AV system. There are no designated disabled toilets but toilets are located on the ground floor.
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Speaker
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Christine KetelChristine Louise Ketel obtained a BA in Japanese Language and Literature at the University of Leiden, received her Masters Degree in Art and Archaeology of East Asia at the University of Amsterdam, and her PhD. At Leiden University, Asian Studies in 2021.
She is editor of The Ceramic Load of the Witte Leeuw (1613), published in 1982 by the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, co-editor of ‘Avondster Project’ (Underwater archaeological research in Galle, Sri Lanka 2003-2005), and contributed to various publications on Kraak porcelain.She has written numerous articles: orders of Chinese porcelain for the Dutch market, ceramics salvaged from shipwrecks, and specializes on the subject of Kraak porcelain. She has attended numerous international conferences. In China: Jingdezhen, Nanchang, Nanjing, Shanghai, the Dongxi kiln site, Beijing, Hong Kong. Furthermore, in Singapore, Taipei, Jakarta, Manila, South Africa, London, (SOAS and OCS) as well as Leiden University, Delft and Leeuwarden in the Netherlands to name some.
