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Lot Essay
While not one of the four commissioned designs by Cornelis Pronk for the Dutch East India Co. this magnificent basin clearly belongs with his oeuvre by virtue of both pattern and form. Its shape is identical to that of a number of large Pronk basins known and its distinctive borders relate closely to those on a number of well-documented Pronk pieces. Most likely this design was a private commission undertaken by Pronk for a V.O.C. director or investor.
The birds and marshy grasses seen on this basin are highly reminiscent of those found as details in the Dame au Parasol, Handwashing and Doctor's Visit patterns. It has been suggested that this subject may represent an Aesop's or La Fontaine fable, subjects that were also popular at Meissen, as were the Parrot on a Perch and the Pekinese and the Parrot often associated by taste with the Pronk group.
A nearly identical basin, but in Chinese Imari colors, was in the collection of Benjamin F. Edwards III and sold Christie's New York, 20 January 2004, lot 32.
The birds and marshy grasses seen on this basin are highly reminiscent of those found as details in the Dame au Parasol, Handwashing and Doctor's Visit patterns. It has been suggested that this subject may represent an Aesop's or La Fontaine fable, subjects that were also popular at Meissen, as were the Parrot on a Perch and the Pekinese and the Parrot often associated by taste with the Pronk group.
A nearly identical basin, but in Chinese Imari colors, was in the collection of Benjamin F. Edwards III and sold Christie's New York, 20 January 2004, lot 32.