Ocarina, C
Date1887-1916 ca.
Place MadeMeissen, Saxony, Germany, Europe
Serial No.none
SignedMEISSENMarkingsnone
DescriptionTransverse shape (or "sweet potato" shape), with duct and protruding mouthpiece; 10 fingerholes; porcelain with blue decorative flowers under glaze.
The blue-and-white pattern seems quintessentially Chinese, but this ocarina was manufactured in Germany. Europeans began collecting Chinese porcelain in the 1300s, coveting the ceramicware for its high quality and “exotic” appeal. Chinese artisans even began creating products specifically for European markets. In the 1700s, European manufacturers decided to capitalize on the allure by making their own, lower-cost copies of Chinese ceramics.
ProvenancePurchased from Harry Oster, Iowa City, Iowa, in 1978, who bought it in an antique shop in Manchester, England.
Credit LineBoard of Trustees, 1978
Object number02444
On View
On view
1900-1950 ca.
1900-1925 ca.
1825-1875 ca.