Dish painted with Hector of Troy and Chinese Birds
Unknown artist, c. 1630–1635

The dish is arguably the finest piece of early English tin-glazed earthenware in existence and it's quality rivals the Italian maiolica that inspired both its technique and decoration. It is also interesting due to its combination of Renaissance and Chinese decoration with identified design sources. The centre of the dish is finely painted with a man in an elaborate suit of armour copied in reverse from an engraving of Hector of Troy by the Nuremberg printmaker Virgil Solis (1514-62). The border, which is probably by another hand, is painted with a design of birds on rocks copied from Chinese export porcelain of about 1572-1620.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Dish painted with Hector of Troy and Chinese Birds, c. 1630–1635
Date supported
2008
Medium and material
Tin-glazed earthenware
Dimensions
Diameter: 34.5 cm
Grant
46917
Total cost
109250

Get a National Art Pass and explore V&A South Kensington
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
National Art Pass offers available at V&A South Kensington
Art Funded by you FAQs
Contact us
If you have a question about a work of art in our archive, please contact the Programmes team. We’ll be happy to answer your enquiry.