Sydney Cove, before 1820

Chinese exportware depicts new colony

Made in China

This is one of only two known punchbowls decorated on the outside with a panorama of Sydney Cove and, within the bowl, with vignettes of Australian Aborigines. The other known punchbowl is held at the Australian National Maritime Museum. The panorama shows the town in c.1812–1814. It is possible that these bowls may have been commissioned by a Sydney merchant who was involved with the then lucrative colonial trade with China.

The painting is in the tradition of bowls illustrated with views of the Canton hongs (trading establishments). Many Chinese factories specialised in creating ceramic ware for European markets.
Display item Sydney Cove, before 1820

 

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