“Jug” with lid (of a pair), China, Qing dynasty (1644-1912), 19^th century

Luxury objects in Europe, Chinese porcelains were first integrated into the decors of aristocratic residences in the 16^th century. They show the excellence and the precocity of a skill practiced in China from the 13^th century, and also the development of international trade between Asia and Europe from the end of the 16^th century. During the second half of the 19^th century, the presence of China at the Universal Expositions and the renewal of interest in the 18^th century relaunched the fashion for these large porcelain objects among the gentry.