Master Art

A Chinese export punchbowl and matching stand decorated en grisaille and bianca sopra bianca with two Swedish banknotes dated 1762 & 1768 Qianlong period, circa 1765-69 Bowl diameter: 12.5 inches; 32cm Stand diameter: 14.75 inches; 37cm This is a rare example of this type, showing Swedish banknotes, one signed by Swedish supercargo Jacob Harh. The Swedes were the first in Europe to use paper currency of this type, an idea they may have taken from the Chinese who had used such currency for some time. Bowls with accompanying stands like this are rare and seem to have been a particular feature of porcelains for the Swedish market. There are two different banknotes known on porcelain in this manner and this example shows both examples.