Two pairs of Chinese export porcelain scalloped rim plates decorated in Famille Rose enamels in the ever-popular Tobacco Leaf pattern, with a lush hand-painted floral and foliate  design in vibrant enamels and gilded highlights.  Measuring 9″ in diameter.  One pair, each with a sealed hairline to the reverse; the other pair in very good condition  Circa 1760-1780.

A charming and highly decorative pair of Chinese porcelain lychee nut pyramids, decorated in ‘egg and spinach’ glaze and modeled as pyramidal stacks of lychees with their leaves arranged in shallow scalloped dishes.  Possibly used as altar offerings in temples, or decoratively at home, the lychee nut is a symbol of romance, beauty, and good luck. Measuring 5 1/2″ tall and both in very good condition.  19th century.

A wonderful pair of Chinese export porcelain hot water dishes decorated in Famille Rose enamels with Mandarin decoration, each centered with a detailed scene of courtly Mandarin life within a fantastical rim bordered with swirling dragons chasing the flaming pearl, the top of the plates with a reserve inscribed with the gilded initials of the original owner of the service. In an era that produced some really brilliant designs, this is one of the best examples of the Mandarin services that we’ve had.  Measuring 9 3/4″ in diameter; one with a chip to the reverse, and both with very minor wear commensurate with age.  Circa 1800.

A very rare and especially beautiful Chinese porcelain 11″ Famille Jaune  Meirien saucer dish depicting a great beauty sitting at her dressing table upon a fenced terrace, admiring herself in a mirror, beside a vase of flowers, and before a large screen.  The entire image so precisely drawn and painted with a minimum of detail and against a open yellow which sets off the scene to a balanced perfection.  Measuring 11″ in diameter and with three short rim  lines  , otherwise in very good condition.  Circa 1690.

A wonderful pair of Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period lotus-form 9″ dishes, each lotus petal panel hand-painted in vibrant cobalt blue with flowering branches of peony, prunus, lotus, and chrysanthemum amongst rockwork and insects, the flowers representing the four seasons, and both dishes edged with a chocolate rim . Each measuring 9″ across …. a few frits to the chocolate rim re-touched.  Kangxi period, circa 1690. 

A very fine rendering of the Royal Arms of Scotland adorns two sides of this fine Chinese export 9″ punch bowl which is also decorated with the original owner’s  initials.  Bowls such as these were used to demonstrate one’s allegiance to the Jacobite cause in the 18th century which sought to return the Scottish Stuart kings to the throne of England.  Sadly, those dreams disappeared with the Battle of Culloden Moor in 1746 when British forces defeated Charles Edward Stuart, “The Pretender” and his supporters.  This bowl a great witness to the supporters of this lost cause.  Measuring 9″ in diameter and with two lines restored, the Royal Arms beautifully detailed. Mid-18th century.

Two fine examples of the well-known Chinese export porcelain Dame au Parasol plates made to order after designs commissioned by Dutch artist Cornelius Pronk for the Dutch East India Company; one of the few examples of a known specific European design source for Chinese trade porcelain.  Measuring 9″ in diameter and in very good condition, circa 1745.

An especially fine Japanese Satsuma 7 1/2″ plate wondrously decorated with three highly detailed vignettes one of flowers, one with ladies seated at their leisure, and a third with warriors assisting a nobleman from a boat, all against a background that is a riot of patterns and flowers, all rendered with fine gilt detail. One can see in all the fine detail where Europeans found their inspiration for the Japanese influence in the Aesthetic  Movement of the later 19th century. Very good condition, Meiji period late 19th century.

A rather fine Chinese export porcelain armorial handled cup very well painted in the rare Black Fitzhugh pattern.  The form itself a bit unusual with a flared beaker silhouette and a gilded ring handle, most likely after English porcelain forms of the period, and decorated with a central diapered roundel bearing a family’s crest with the image of a falcon.  Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. II, page 541 where it is identified as one of four services bearing this crest and that it is likely from a service made for Capt. Joseph Cotton, a Director of the East India Company from 1795-1823.  It is also pointed out that this is the only known example of the Black Fitzhugh pattern with a British crest or armorial. Other than three small hairlines, the piece is in very good condition and exhibits a real mastery of the decorator’s paint brush.  Circa 1815.

Two nice examples of the Fitzhugh pattern in the form of strap-handled mugs. One rendered in the original classic Blue Fitzhugh pattern, the second hand-painted in the vibrant Green Fitzhugh. Both in good condition, the blue one measuring 4 1/2″ tall; the green one 4 1/4″.  Dating to circa 1800-1820.

A set of three Chinese export porcelain 7 3/4″ borderless plates decorated in vibrant Famille Rose enamels with wonderfully detailed Mandarin scenes; one with an official being received by a noble lady seated upon her terrace with attendants; a second plate depicting a lady seated in a garden playing the classic stringed instrument, the guzheng, to a rather enrapt group of ladies around her; and a third scene showing another terrace scene with a dancer and two not-so-amused Mandarins seated at a table both apparently asleep, one with his back to the performers!  These are somewhat unusual designs as most plates are decorated with images or scenes within borders around the cavetto and rims, here we have these scenes treated as paintings rendered across the entire surface of the plates. Highly decorative and insightful views into Mandarin life two centuries ago. (chips to rim restored) Circa 1810-1820.

A very elegant Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period soup plate hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with a central farewell scene as a Mandarin mounted upon a white horse takes his leave of his very elegant wife, preceded by his small attendant weighed down with all the baggage, the rim of the plate with fan-shaped stylized lotus motifs against a gilded diapered ground.  Measuring 9″ in diameter and in good condition with only a small rim restoration and fading to the gilded diapering. Pictured in George Williamson’s work The Book of Famille Rose.  Circa 1730.

A very elegantly designed Chinese export porcelain part tea and coffee service made for the American market each piece with a ermine-mantled shield bearing the script initials HB surmounted with a pair of lovebirds or doves and edged with a gilded swag border.  With a history of descent in the Bartlett family of Concord, Massachusetts and comprising a covered coffee pot, a drum tea pot with its scalloped stand, a helmet creamer,  four tea bowls, two handled cups, six saucers, two large biscuit dishes and a berry dish, 18 pieces total.  Restoration to the teapot handle, otherwise all in good condition with only very minor wear to the gilding.  Circa 1790-1800.

A very fine and impressively-sized pair of 19″ Chinese export porcelain covered vases from the Kangxi period, each of baluster form with molded bodies of lotus  petal shaped panels decorated in underglaze blue with alternating vignettes of courtly ladies on garden terraces and flowering pots of peony, the decorative motif carried onto the covers as well.  Bearing collection stickers from the Tibor Collection. Both covers with very minor rim restoration, otherwise the pair is in very good condition and sure to make a statement at 19″ tall. Circa 1690.  Price upon request.

A very rare Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer meticulously hand-painted in the Black Fitzhugh pattern with a lush floral border and centered with a monogrammed roundel inscribed AH, undoubtedly the original owner who special-ordered this striking service. The Fitzhugh pattern remained very popular since its first appearance in the later 18th century and the pattern was eventually rendered in a variety of colors ranging from the most common, blue, to more rare colored designs with black being one of the rarest. The saucer measuring 5 3/4″ in diameter, the tea bowl 3 1/2″.  In good condition with the exception of two faint lines to the tea bowl, easily sealed; the black decoration strong with virtually no wear whatsoever, minor wear to the gilded edge.  Circa 1810-1820.  Price upon request.

A spectacular form in the ever popular Tobacco Leaf pattern, this finely modeled Qianlong period sauce tureen shaped in the form of a pomegranate with three pomegranates forming the cover is painted in the vibrant Famille Rose palette that lends this pattern it’s rich appeal.  Serving pieces in the form of vegetables and animals were a tableware conceit that charmed and amused diners in the later 18th century.  Measuring approximately 4 1/2″ x 6 1/2″ and in very good condition.  Circa 1760-1780.

A great form, this early Chinese export porcelain Imari palette punch pot is hand-painted in underglaze blue, iron red and gilded highlights, the pot with molded lotus petal panels, each decorated with a flowering pot or flowering bush of peony, prunus and chrysanthemum. all against a scrolling. diapered or flowerhead ground, the cover similarly decorated and surmounted by a lotus-petal knop, the handle and the spout painted with what appears to be a scrolling lotus design, hence the flowers  representing the Four Seasons cover the pot. This large vessel measures 7 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ and is certainly bigger than the usual sized teapots being made at this period.  It is in very good condition with only a very small line sealed at the base of the handle. Kangxi period, circa 1690-1710.

A very fine Chinese export porcelain flared rim bowl of impressive 12″ size hand-painted in the deep cobalt blue for which the Kangxi period was so well known.  Decorated to the exterior with eight lotus petal shaped panels with various rich flowering branches such as peony, chrysanthemum and prunus, the interior with a diapered border with cartouches of flowers, the bottom of the bowl with a large roundel of peony blossoms. Very minor rim frits and small chip filled, otherwise fine condition. A great size and dating to circa 1690-1700.  SOLD

A charming, beautifully constructed Kangxi period Chinese scholar’s brush rest of openwork design and painted in classic Famille Verte yellow and green glazes on a biscuit body. Despite being a basically utilitarian piece, and a rather rare survivor, this lovely object was produced with the same attention to detail and quality as a larger decorative piece and would have been an essential item in a scholar’s studio as part of his writing equipage. Measuring  1 7/8″ x 2 1/4″ x 1 7/8″ and in good condition with not apparent restorations. Discussed in Luisa Vinhais’ and Jorge Welsh’s book Biscuit: Refined Chinese Famille Verte Wares, pages 120-123. Kangxi period, late 17th century.

A very elegant Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period covered jug, with a molded body of lotus petal-shaped panels decorated with ‘Long Elizas’ and images of potted flowering plants, the neck with exuberant lotus blossoms and leaves and the cover with a delicate branch of flowering peony, the brilliant white porcelain and cobalt blue decoration set off beautifully with gilt silver mounts connecting the handle and the cover.  Measuring 6″ tall x 5″ and in very good condition with the exception of a small restoration to the tip of the spout.  A lovely object with a rich tactile glaze. Kangxi period circa 1690.

A very finely made pair of Chinese export porcelain covered rice bowls and under dishes meticulously hand-painted in the Sepia Fitzhugh pattern and highlighted with gilt enamel, each piece unusually signed with a six-figure Chinese mark within a square.  The rendering of this elaborate pattern is of the highest order and the condition of these pieces is very good with only the most minimal of wear and no apparent restoration. The saucer under dish measuring 5 3/4″ in diameter, the bowl 2 1/2″ in diameter and 4″ tall.  Circa 1810-20.

A very impressive piece of Chinese export porcelain, this large pistol-handled chocolate pot is a spectacular tour-de-force of decoration, hand-painted with two very elegant Mandarin scenes within oval reserves as well as smaller fan-shaped floral vignettes all against a dazzling gilt latticework ground.  Almost certainly from a bespoke service, this was some of highest quality porcelain one could order from Canton during this period – this group of gold ground wares frequently referred to as Palaceware, for obvious reasons. This is a large size and a rare form measuring 9 1/2″ tall by 9″ handle to spout. There is a small restored chip to the rim of the cover and a small area of rub to the shoulder of the piece, otherwise, remarkably, the handle and spout seem intact and the scenes and latticework as fresh as they were when they were painted. Circa 1795.

From our collection of Chinese export porcelain made for American Market we are pleased to offer these very finely painted 8″ luncheon plates in the Sepia Fitzhugh pattern, each with a central rounder with the initial  H from a bespoke service made for U.S. Naval Captain John Dandridge Henley (1781-1835) who served both in the Barbary War and the War of 1812. He was born in Williamsburg, Virginia and was a nephew of Martha Washington. One with the slightest spot of stacking wear, otherwise superb condition and a great example of from our early republic’s naval history with founding of Norfork, Virginia, Naval Base.  Circa 1820.    $1150.ea

A beautifully decorated pair of Chinese export porcelain mugs finely hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels and gilding with courtly Mandarin terrace scenes, along with landscape and bird vignettes amongst scrolling floral vines. It is important to note the detail of these pieces as the scenes are rendered within raised cartouches and the floral designs are in relief as well, all against a very finely scrolling gilded ground. Quality of this level is an immediate precedent to the well-known Palaceware and Rockefeller patterns which appear in the decade following the production of these mugs.  Measuring 5″ tall and in very good condition.  Circa 1785. pr.

A very desirable Chinese export porcelain covered pot-de-creme finely hand-painted in the Sepia Fitzhugh pattern, made for the American Market and specifically Gabriel Henry Manigault (1789-1834) of Charleston, South Carolina. Gabriel’s younger brother, Charles Izard Manigault, traveled to Canton and the Far East between 1817 and 1823 and it was during this time that he ordered two services – one for his brother and one for himself.  Gabriel’s service, seen here, bears his initials within a belted roundel with a Latin motto that translates to “It is better to anticipate than avenge” which is surmounted by an Native American crest.  There are several American market services ordered for prominent families in this Sepia Fitzhugh pattern around this 1820 period, and all bear this spectacular level of quality of painting.  Many bespoke services were for families in the New England and mid-Atlantic states; this is one of the far rarer examples with a specific Southern connection.  Illustrated and discussed in Schiffer’s China for America, pages 56, 61. Measuring 3 1/4″ tall x 3 1/2″ wide and in very good condition.

A very charming Chinese porcelain yellow-glazed scholar’s brush washer or water pot with a finely modeled brown-glazed dragon writhing along one side. Even in its simplicity of design, the piece is well-molded and detailed, and would have adorned a scholar’s writing table as one of the accoutrements of the intelligentsia. Water pots or brush washers for the scholar’s use tend to be of round form; this one of square form is somewhat unusual, and, in remarkably good condition. Measuring 2″ high by approx. 2 1/4″ square. Kangxi period, late 17th century.

Truly one of the finest examples of Sepia Fitzhugh we’ve had, this pair of meticulously hand-painted pudding dishes is even more remarkable for their American  connection as they are from a service made for Captain John Dandridge Henley (1781-1835) an officer in the United States Navy who served with distinction in the First Barbary War and the War of 1812. He was born in Williamsburg, Virginia and was a nephew of Martha Washington’s, hence his appointment as a midshipman by President (and Uncle) George Washington in 1799. Centering this beautiful rendition of the Sepia Fitzhugh pattern is a central medallion with the monogram H.  With only the slightest of stacking wear, otherwise fantastic condition.  Measuring 8″ in diameter and dating to circa 1820.

A fine example of a 19th century Chinese export porcelain dinner service made for the American Market with a Presidential association as it is known that a large fish service was ordered for President and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant comprising fish-decorated dinner plates and platters.  The service was hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with an elaborate floral and butterfly Rose Canton style border, each plate centered an image of large fish with luminous scales in blues, greens and turquoise. Described and illustrated in New York and the China Trade, page 134, and examples of the service are in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum.  Measuring 9 3/4″ in diameter with only very minor stacking wear and rim roughness otherwise very good condition.  Circa 1879.

A really beautiful pair of Chinese export porcelain Famille Rose-decorated reticulated saucer dishes, each centered with a classic design of exotic birds amongst blossoming peony and rockwork, all within a reticulated border painted in a mottled design (perhaps in imitation of tortoiseshell?) All together very elegantly designed typical of the refinement of the mid-18th century. Measuring 8 3/4″ in diameter and one in very good condition, the second with a bit of the rim and reticulation nicely restored. Mid-18th century.

A very beautiful version of the American eagle on Chinese export porcelain, these superb American market saucers are centered with finely hand painted sepia eagles taken from the seal of the state of Rhode Island, each noble bird with a halo of golden stars is clutching a banner in its beak inscribed “In God We Hope” and supports a shield with an anchor (also a symbol of Hope) as well as the trumpet of Fame. Very good condition with only the slightest of wear, measuring 5″ in diameter and dating to circa 1800-1810.  These objects are great examples of the pride and confidence of our early republic.

A very nice Chinese export porcelain reticulated oval serving dish hand-painted with a riverscape view of the “Folly Fort” at the entrance of the Pearl River, known as Bocca Tigris,  leading up to the port at Canton. After months of at sea, this would have been one of the first landmarks China traders would have seen marking the end of their arduous journey and the beginning of their trading season at the factories of Canton.  A very interesting view of the early China Trade, sometimes also appearing in paintings of the period.  Measuring 9 1/4″ x 11 1/2″.  In very good condition with the exception of a little stacking wear and enamel retouch.  Circa 1790-1800.

A truly impressive 18 1/2″ Chinese export porcelain platter and mazzarene decorated in vibrant Famille Rose enamels with richly detailed Mandarin court scenes; the platter with a scene of a great noble, or perhaps the Emperor himself, seated in a portico with attendants while noble personages are lined up to pay court; the mazzarene with a less decorous scene depicting a grand meal on a garden terrace with a guest sitting on the floor…perhaps one two many “libation cups”?  Note the attention to detail with the servants and dishes of food. Both pieces edged with lush garden imagery with fretwork fences, birds, flowers and butterflies.  Very good condition. Circa 1800-1810.

An absolutely exquisite Chinese export porcelain Kendi decorated in Famille Rose enamels and hand-painted with richly dressed courtly figures upon a garden gallery and terrace, the landscape continuing around the vessel with a profusion of peonies, flowering prunus and chrysanthemums amongst rockwork. The floral motif continues as well around the shoulder with a collar of peony and gilded scrolling vines beneath the neck also with peony branches.  A perfectly shaped form with a pronounced flaring mouth, representing some of the best painting of the late Yongzheng/early Qianlong periods – note the detail of the robes, and the small rabbit on the gallery with the attendants.  Measuring 8 1/2″ tall and in excellent condition. Circa 1740-1745.

A fine Chinese export porcelain 5 1/2″ saucer made for the American market, centered with a sepia eagle supporting a red-striped shield beneath a radiant halo of gold stars. Originally part of a complete tea service ordered by a patriotic citizen of our new Republic, circa 1800-1810.  The saucer with a small rim flake filled to the reverse along with a firing line to the rim with an associated glaze line, otherwise a great addition to an American market collection with a superbly rendered American eagle after an early version of the United States.

A very fine example of Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain decorated in the Famille Verte palette, this elegant flared bowl with a barbed rim is beautifully painted with alternating molded panels of flowering branches of peony, prunus, and chrysanthemum along with birds and butterflies, the floral motif continued on the interior, the overall effect light and joyful.  Measuring 4 1/2″ tall x 9″ in diameter and in very good condition with the exception of minor rim frits filled.  Circa 1700.

A fine and rare Japanese Arita porcelain charger decorated in the Dame au Parasol pattern after designs by Dutch artist Cornelius Pronk.  Versions of this pattern were done in both Japanese and Chinese export porcelain and it was always cause for a bit of speculation why the Dutch East India Company commissioned a Dutch artist to produce primarily Chinese-themed designs to be rendered by Asian decorators onto Asian porcelain to be sent back to the Netherlands?!  Either way, the wares proved too costly to produce and the project eventually abandoned, leaving a rare example of one of the few known European artists to have supplied original designs to the Chinese and Japanese porcelain makers.  This fine example measures 12 1/2″ in diameter and is in very good condition with the exception of a small rim chip to the reverse restored. Mid 18th century.

A beautiful pair of Chinese export porcelain octagonal form plates decorated in Famille Rose enamels each centered with a scene of a Mandarin family upon a garden terrace either in late autumn or winter as the leaves are off the willow and the pine tree supports the only garden greenery.  Also note the affluent family are all bundled up against the cold – the father with a fur jacket, the mother with a fur collar and even the child has fur cuffs on his robe.  Furs were a status symbol and much sought after; furs and sealskins were in fact one of the few commodities the Chinese were interested in trading for with Western supercargoes. Each scene is surrounded by an elegant gilded rococo border with landscape vignettes. The plates measuring 8 1/2″ and are in very good condition. Qianlong period, third quarter of the 18th century.

A handsome Chinese export porcelain strap-handled drum teapot decorated with a sepia eagle with gilded details supporting a shield beneath a halo of stars. Based upon an early version of the Great Seal of the United States. Measuring 9″ x 5 1/2″. The original owner’s gilded initials worn away, but otherwise in very good condition.  Circa 1800-1810.

A generously sized Chinese export porcelain strap-handled tankard, made for the American market centered with a hand-painted sepia eagle supporting a floral-decorated shield beneath a halo of gilded stars, taken from an early version of the Great Seal of the United States.  With only a 1/4″ line to the rim, otherwise superb original condition. Measuring 5 1/2″ tall and dating to circa 1800.  $1,150.00

A very handsome pair of Chinese export porcelain 11″ saucer dishes, painted in vibrant cobalt blue with classic riverscapes all within hand-cut reticulated borders. The use of white space particularly effective with these images.  Both in very good condition, the second dish presently having very minor rim glaze losses filled, so image not available at this time.  Circa 1800.

A very impressive display of the potter’s art, this  elegant Chinese export porcelain 8″ openwork fruit basket is finely crafted and decorated in Famille Rose enamels centered with a bird on a flowering peony branch, the overlapping circular reticulation rendered as a faux finish – perhaps to resemble tortoiseshell? With only a small repair to the edge of the rim and one of the circles of reticulation – otherwise in fine condition and a rare survivor. Bearing an old collection sticker from Matthew and Elisabeth Sharpe. Circa 1750.  $3,800.00

A rather unusual Chinese export porcelain oval platter and mazzarene decorated in Famille Rose enamels in the Rose Medallion pattern with its charming vignettes of Mandarin scenes and birds and flowers against a densely hand-painted floral and butterfly ground. This was an enormously popular pattern in the 19th century and many services were produced, but this is one of a group of  special bespoke services, special-ordered with a family motto and crest.  What is particularly unusual is that this one bears the crest unassumingly on the reverse of the pieces decorated. The motto PRENEZ-GARDE was used by several families, primarily MACINTOSH of Scotland, but there also is a distinct possibility that this service has an American connection as this motto was also used by the Scottish RICKARD family whose descendant William Rickard emigrated to Newfoundland and then on to America where he became a noted chemist and metallurgist. In very good condition, being some of the best quality Rose Medallion produced and measuring 16 1/2″ x 13″ and dating to circa 1870.  Pictured in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. II, page 702. $1,700.00

A handsome Chinese export porcelain lighthouse form coffee pot decorated in Famille Rose enamels with Mandarin figures in a landscape, the pot and cover edged with a rich floral border with a gilded ground, the cover surmounted by a gilded leechee nut finial. Very good condition and a fine form for one’s collection, rather rare as we mostly have seen teapots in this decoration.

Measuring 9 3/4″ x 9″ . Circa 1820.

This Chinese export porcelain plate is decorated with a vibrantly blue enamel border dotted with flower heads encircling a rich central image in the Chinese taste of the Eight Immortals. Measuring 9 1/2″ in diameter and in good condition with only a minor restoration. A rather rare border pattern. Circa 1820.

A lovely rare pair of Chinese export porcelain beaker or sleeve vases, decorated front and back in Famille Rose enamels with images of a parrot perched upon a rather elegant swing clutching a cherry sprig. The painting after designs by Dutch artist Cornelius Pronk who was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company to create designs to be translated on to Chinese export porcelain; a rare instance where we actually know the artist of a design on export porcelain. Measuring 9 1/2″ tall and in very good condition with the exception of some slight discoloration to the porcelain ground, original to the firing of the pieces. One vase sprayed to the interior for aesthetic purposes and easily removable. Minor refresh to enamels of one parrot. Otherwise an elegant pair of Pronk vases. Circa 1750.  $4,800.00.

An especially fine Chinese export porcelain molded peony plate, decorated in beautifully nuanced Famille Rose enamels, the front covered with three lush peony blossoms, the reverse revealing the underneath of the blossoms with stems and leaves, all in molded relief. The peony is a revered flower in Chinese culture, a symbol of nobility, wealth and prosperity. Dating to the late Yongzheng/early Qianlong reigns, circa 1735-1750 and bearing an old dealer sticker from Matthew and Elizabeth Sharpe. In very good condition with only a small rim chip to the reverse, hardly noticeable and easily remedied. In our forty years of dealing, we have never seen one of these plates.

A really pleasing palette of Famille Rose colors helps make this charming pair of Chinese export porcelain tea bowls and saucers so appealing. Each piece is centered with a Mandarin scene of a scholar at his table with attendants while being approached by a supplicant bearing a goose. The general theme to this story is that the scholar was a legendary calligrapher who took inspiration from watching the movement of geese and the marks they left when padding about the ground. The supplicant, wishing to be trained by the master here offers him his finest goose in hopes of being taken on as a student. The scenes are finely painted within a light turquoise latticework border with with animal vignettes. This story was used to decorated some of the fine Rockefeller and palaceware services of the 1790s-early 1800s. Good condition with only a small rim chip to one restored, and the second with a faint hairline (easily restorable) to the tea bowl. Circa 1800-1810.

A rather rare form, this Chinese export porcelain scalloped edge chamberstick served as a salesman’s sample of sorts as it is finely decorated and gilded with four separate border patterns and a monogram in order to display to potential clients and supercargoes what were some of the latest styles available from the talented decorators at the Chinese potteries. Very few of these survive, Historic Deerfield has an example of a pot-de-creme. Very good condition. Circa 1800.