Meissen Blue Onion Porcelain Ocarina, 1900

• Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
• Onion Pattern - The onion pattern is a popular design motif used in the decoration of porcelain, especially in European and Chinese porcelain. It typically consists of a central motif, such as a flower or bird, surrounded by concentric circles of leaves, flowers, and other decorative elements. The onion pattern originated in China during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and was later adapted by European porcelain makers in the 18th century, by companies such as Meissen, Royal Copenhagen and Hutschenreuther, and in England by manufacturers such as Royal Wedgwood, Crown Derby and Spode. The name "onion pattern" is thought to have originated from the shape of the central motif, which resembles an onion or a pomegranate. The pattern is often executed in underglaze blue, but it can also be found in other colours such as red, green, and gold.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Meissen (Germany) - figurines and other 451
• Meissen porcelain - Onion / Blue Onion pattern 35