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Superb Pseudo-Tobacco Leaf Platter #7390 SOLD

From a choice selection we have at present, this very fine Chinese export porcelain oval platter of impressive size, measuring 15″ across, is hand-painted in the exuberant Pseudo-Tobacco Leaf  with floral and foliate designs in rich enamels with gilded highlights. In very good condition and dating to circa 1760-1780.

 

 

 

 

Great Raspberry Fitzhugh Plate #7402

A richly beautiful Chinese export porcelain plate decorated in the rare Raspberry Fitzhugh pattern with a gilded central landscape roundel and scrolling vine band within the cavetto. The classic Fitzhugh pattern developed seven different basic colors, and color combinations, some of them rarer than others, Raspberry being one of the rarer more sought-after shades as there were only a few services made with this enameling. Measuring 9 1/2″ in diameter and in very good condition, with a Henry Moog provenance and dating to circa 1800.

 

 

 

Pair of 6″ Pseudo-Tobacco Leaf Plates #7391 SOLD

From a group of Pseudo-Tobacco Leaf porcelain we now have in our collection, this fine pair of Chinese export porcelain hand-painted 6″ plates in the exuberant Pseudo-Tobacco Leaf pattern is brilliantly enameled  with foliate and floral designs. One of several versions of the famous Tobacco Leaf pattern, these charming plates are in very good condition and date to circa 1760-1780.

 

 

Mandarin Cachepot #7382 sold

A very attractive, and very useful, Chinese export porcelain octagonal form footed cachepot richly decorated with a continuous scene hand-painted around its eight sides, rendered in Famille Rose enamels, and animated with courtly figures and attendants upon a garden terrace with a lady of nobility sitting upon a root chair under a portico receiving the crowd. Measuring 6 1/2″ tall x 10″ across in very good condition. Circa 1820.

 

 

 

 

Kangxi Famille Verte Covered Jar #7394 Sold

A beautiful diminutive Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period covered jar, decorated in Famille Verte enamels with four panels of flowering branches around the exterior of the body and small diapered bands around the neck and cover. Lovely quality, in very good condition and measuring 5 1/2″ tall. Ex-Chait collection provenance. Circa 1700.

Fine Pseudo-Tobacco Leaf Soup Plates #7389 SOLD

 

From a collection we have at present, this very attractive group of four Chinese export porcelain soup plates finely hand-decorated in the exuberant Pseudo-Tobacco Leaf pattern with floral and foliate designs. Measuring 9″ in diameter, in very good condition measuring, and dating to circa 1760-1780.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yongzheng Period Pair of ‘Quail’ Soup Plates #6050 SOLD

A very refined pair of Chinese export porcelain soup plates, decorated in famille rose enamels with central scenes of a pair of quails beneath branches of peony, chrysanthemum, prunus and bamboo, the cavetto encircled with a yellow spearhead border, and the rim delicately hand-painted with bianco-sopra-bianco branches of flowers and bamboo, the outer edge with a band of famille rose enamel floral motifs. The quail is a symbol of strength. Measuring 9″ in diameter, nd in very good condition. Yongzheng period, circa 1730-1735.

 

 

American Market Brown Fitzhugh Covered Syllabub #7399 SOLD

A charming form, this Chinese export porcelain covered syllabub, or pot-de-creme, is finally hand-painted in the classic Brown Fitzhugh pattern with a central roundel bearing the initial H. From a service made for the American market and most likely ordered for prominent New Yorker John Hone (1764-1832) who was Mayor of New York during Lafayette’s visit in 1825 as well as President of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company.  Measuring 3 1/4″ tall x 3 1/2″ wide, and in good condition, with a Henry Moog provenance and dating to circa 1825.

Brown Fitzhugh Monogrammed Dish #7400 SOLD

A fine Chinese export porcelain saucer dish meticulously rendered in the Brown Fitzhugh pattern, undoubtedly from a special order service, with the central roundel bearing as yet unidentified initial B. The quality of the hand-painting is so good as to resemble transfer-printed wares. Lovely condition, measuring 8″ in diameter, with a Henry Moog provenance and dating to circa 1820.

 

 

 

Great Pair of Pseudo-Tobacco Leaf Plates #7392 SOLD

From a collection we have at present, this fine pair of Chinese export porcelain dinner plates are meticulously hand-painted in the exuberant Pseudo-Tobacco Leaf pattern with rich foliate and floral designs. Measuring 9″ in diameter, in very good condition, and dating to circa 1760-1780.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very Fine Yongzheng Period Tea Bowl and Saucer #3964

A truly elegant piece illustrating the refinement and quality so typical of the Yongzheng period, this lovely eggshell thin tea bowl and saucer are meticulously hand-painted in famille rose enamels with floral cartouches in reserve against a gilded diapered ground. The saucer measuring 4 1/4″ in diameter, the tea bowl 1 1/2″ tall. The diminutive size reflects the luxuriously expensive price of tea at the time-both the porcelain and the beverage it contained were great status symbols. Very good condition, circa 1730.

 

 

 

Set of Eight Kangxi Period Famille Verte Plates (Only five shown)

A wonderful set of eight Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period plates, decorated in the Famille Verte palette with central images of large, flowing branches of peony, the other rim edged with a scrolling foliate design. Very slight wear in places, otherwise remarkably good condition considering their age. Measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter and dating to circa 1700-1720.

 

 

 

 

 

Philadelphia Market-Pair of Mifflin Cups and Saucers #7401 SOLD

A fine example of Chinese export porcelain made for the American market, Philadelphia specifically, from a service ordered for James Large Mifflin, the well-painted Sepia Fitzhugh pattern centered with the gilded monogram of JLM. Both cups with a line, one cup and saucer with some wear to the gilding. Circa 1820.

 

 

 

 

 

Yongzheng/Qianlong Period Cockerel Plate #7265 SOLD

A Chinese export porcelain octagonal form plate richly enameled in the Famille Rose palette-the enamels ‘sitting proud’ of the surface-with the central scene of a pair of boldly colored yellow cockerels about to spar beneath a leafy tree, a peony rising from rockwork beside all the action. The border also lavishly decorated with panels of peony and prunus, scrollwork and diapered ground. A great form, fantastically decorated. Measuring 8″ in diameter, in good condition and dating to circa 1735-1745.

Extremely Rare Ming Period Duck-Form Censor #7388 sold

An especially fine and rare Chinese export Ming period censor in the form of a standing duck. Decorated in underglaze blue, the top part of the figure lifting off for the incense (the smoke stains still within) and the incense rising through the duck’s open beak.  This is a remarkably rare form in remarkably good condition given its age with only glaze losses from wear . Measuring 6″ tall x 8″ wide. Circa 1600.

 

 

Very Fine Pair of Kangxi Plates #7369 sold

A very fine pair of thinly potted Chinese export porcelain plates hand-painted in underglaze blue with images of waterfowl amongst lotus, the scenes unusually unrestricted by borders and covering the entire surface of the plate. Both representative of the level of quality one can expect from the Kangxi period. One with a faint hairline from the rim, otherwise both in very good condition. Measuring 8 1/4″ in diameter. Circa 1690.

 

 

 

Rare Pair of Spaniel Figures #7353 SOLD

A very rare pair of Chinese export porcelain figures modeled as a pair of recumbent Spaniels, of both impressive size and provenance. The figures with their charming faces and soft mottled coats are cast in mirror images and are of larger size than one usually sees in this form. They measure 6 3/4″ tall and 10″ wide and they were used as the model for the copies in the Mottahedeh Collection, in addition to having been in the private collection of Nelson and Happy Rockefeller. Their condition is very good with only very minor losses to the tips of two paws. Qianlong period, late 18th century.

 

 

 

 

 

Unusual Centennial ‘Declaration of Independence’ Spoon #7377 SOLD

A very unusual Chinese export porcelain spoon, made for the American market, depicting a scene with Founding Fathers at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, beneath a spread eagle, taken from a Currier and Ives print, after John Trumbull’s original painting of the scene. This is from a small, rare group of Chinese export porcelain undoubtedly special-ordered, that was created sometime in the late 19th century, after the American Centennial and part of the Colonial Revival movement. Measuring 9″ long and in good condition. Discussed and illustrated in Schiffer’s China for America, page 144.

Great Set of Chinese Immortals Figures #7375 SOLD

A very fine set of Chinese export porcelain figures depicting “The Eight Immortals”, a legendary group from Chinese mythology, revered by Taoists and throughout Chinese culture. Each Immortal’s power can be transferred to a vessel that can bestow life or destroy evil. The group here is depicted with a ninth character, their leader, Shou Lao, and they are all well-modeled with individual personalities and well-detailed, each holding his attribute and standing on matching plinths, all decorated in exuberant famille rose enamels. Many times these sets are made up of assembled characters, but given the consistency of design, decoration and matching plinths, we believe this to be an original complete group. In very good condition, each Immortal measuring 9″ tall and waiting to bestow life and destroy evil in your home. Last quarter of the 18th century, similar example sold in the Hodroff Collection at Christies, NY

 

 

 

 

 

Early Jia-Jinq /Wanli 14″ Charger #7368 Sold

A boldly decorated Chinese export porcelain dish charger hand-painted in deep underglaze blue with two central figures, a kylin and an elephant, beneath a tree, surrounded within an outer border of swirling dragons alternating with roundels of  four of the eight trigrams of Bagua symbolism. The trigrams are symbolic of naturally occuring processes and inter-related basic principles of reality, balance and equilibrium. Each one can be associated with a particular family member, season, personality trait, direction or animal; the three represented on this charger stand for water, lake, heaven and fire.  The reverse with floral and foliate roundels around the rim border and centered with a calligraphic mark. Measuring 13 1/4″ in diameter and with a small chip to the foot rim and some pitting and grit to the glaze all typical of a piece of this early production. A fine early example, circa 1580.

 

Beautiful Pair of Famille Rose Sauce Boats and Undertrays #5077

A truly lovely pair of Chinese export porcelain sauce boats and undertrays, richly decorated in famille rose enamels hand-painted with floral decoration and edged with elaborate butterfly and diapered borders, the forms as exuberant as the decoration with the molded sauceboats with their double strap handles, and the scalloped-edge undertrays terminating an elegantly scrolled handle. These forms typify the exuberant rococo period, both in color and form and were most likely modeled after European silver forms of the period. Very good condition, the tray measuring 8 1/2″ long, the sauceboat 8 3/4″ x 6″. Qianlong period, circa 1760-1770.

Dragon Bordered Mandarin Plate #7383c Sold

A particularly attractive Chinese export porcelain 7 3/4″ Mandarin plate decorated in Famille Rose enamels with an elegant courtly scene of figures upon a garden terrace, a lady a distinction seated in a tree root chair surrounded by her attendants. The border richly hand-painted with a swirling dragons amongst chrysanthemum blossoms, highlighted with gilding. Very good condition. Circa 1820.

 

 

 

Great Form Canton Teapot #7379 Sold

A charming Chinese export porcelain square form Canton teapot decorated in underglaze blue with classic Chinese river scenes and surmounted by a stepped ‘pagoda-roof’ form finial. Measuring 4 1/4″ tall x 6 1/2″. Very good condition. Circa 1840.

 

 

Pair of Mandarin Sauce Tureens #7380 Sold

A great form, this charming pair of Chinese export porcelain covered sauce tureens are vibrantly painted in famille rose enamels with courtly Mandarin scenes edged with rich flower, bird and butterfly borders, the handles and finials highlighted with gilding. Measuring 8″ x 6″ and in good condition with the exception of one handle having been restored.  Circa 1820. Always great to have a pair!

 

 

 

 

Impressive Pair of Kangxi Famille Verte 17 1/2″ Beaker Vases #6052 SOLD

A spectacular pair of Chinese export porcelain beaker form vases of impressive size decorated in the famille verte palette with a central band of dragon roundels  edged with a lappet border all against a very finely painted peony and foliate scrolling iron red ground, the rim and foot completed with further intricate verte ground lappet borders. Very good condition considering their age, obviously much appreciated and cared for over the centuries. Measuring 17 1/2″ tall. Dating to circa 1700-1720.

 

 

 

 

Fine Mandarin Plate #7385c Sold

A lovely 7 3/4″ Chinese export porcelain plate, decorated in Famille Rose enamels with a pair of courtly figures in a landscape, the outer border painted with vignettes of deer, dragons, waterfowl and butterflies. Very good condition, and dating to circa 1820.

 

 

 

Important American Market Eagle-Decorated Coffee Pot #7258 SOLD

From a service special-ordered for American patriot Edward Carrington, this very handsome Chinese export porcelain lighthouse form coffee pot proudly carries a hand-painted sepia rendering of an eagle derived from an early version of the Great Seal of the United States, each piece bordered with an exquisitely detailed grapevine border, most likely after English porcelains of the period.

 

 

Impressive Pair of Pronk Vases #3434

An especially fine pair of Chinese export porcelain ‘Pronk’ baluster form vases, decorated in a soft blue with elegant renderings of fritillaria and butteflies. Measuring an impressive 12 ” tall, these elegant vases are modeled after designs by Dutch artist Cornelius Pronk who was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company to create designs for Chinese export wares in the 1740s, one of the rare instances where we can actually identify a specific European artist. Losses to some areas along the edged restored, otherwise, very good condition. Circa 1745.

 

 

 

 

Beautuful Pair of Kangxi Period Garniture Vases #7374 Sold

A very attractive and very decorative pair of Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain 12″ covered garniture vases of spiral molded form with panels of peony and prunus  decoration hand-painted in brilliant cobalt blue. Pairs and sets of vases such as these were highly sought-after in Europe at the time and were considered essential to any fashionable interior; Queen Mary of England herself encouraging the mania for blue and white with her collections at Kensington Palace.  Restoration to the finial of one vase, otherwise very good condition. Circa 1690.

 

 

Fine American Market Eagle-Decorated Part Tea Set #7368 SOLD

A very fine Chinese export porcelain part tea set made for the American market, each piece hand-painted with a central image of an eagle supporting a striped shield beneath a halo of stars all within a delicate gilded Federal period style border. The image derived almost certainly from an early version of the Great Seal of the United States.  Comprising a lighthouse form coffee pot, a helmet creamer and covered sugar bowl, as well as a slop bowl and four tea bowls and saucers.  Good condition with only a few hairlines sealed and the gilding refreshed. Circa 1800.

 

 

 

 

Exceptional Quality-Kangxi Lobed Dishes #7371 A,B,C SOLD

A really fine group of three Chinese export porcelain  Kangxi period lobed dishes, beautifully decorated in underglaze blue with birds and insects amongst branches of peony within the lobed rim divided into panels also painted with the peony motif. The form inspired by European silver forms of the period. Measuring 8 1/4″ in diameter, richly glazed and in very good condition, dating to circa 1690. Priced individually, 7371A at the top of the group photo; 7371B at the lower left; and 7371C at the lower right.

 

 

 

 

Unusual Pair of Fishing Scene Soup Plates #7373

A very interesting snapshot into daily life, this fine pair of Chinese export porcelain soup plates are decorated a very active fishing scene with two men in a boat, and another man on shore struggling to pull up a large net with their catch, the drama of ordinary life quietly being observed by a lady watching them from a terrace door in the background. A great design with a wonderful use of the white space of the porcelain, unconfined by border patterns, the scene unfolding across the entire expanse of the plate. Very good condition, and measuring  8 3/4 ” in diameter and dating to circa 1740.

 

 

 

Impressively Sized Mandarin Jardiniere #7373 SOLD

A very handsome and very useful Chinese export porcelain flared rim jardiniere of impressive size, and, equally impressive decoration, hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with a continuous scene around the exterior depicting a lavish scene of dignitaries arriving through a garden gate to a bustling terrace where a person of some obvious rank and importance and his attendants overlook the scene below, a marvelous garden pavilion to the right nestled amongst pine and rockwork. The rim border painted with flowers and butterflies. Measuring 8 1/2″ tall x 11″ in diameter and in very good condition with only glaze and rim chips to the edge of the rim and to one foot which would barely be noticeable when the piece was planted with your favorite orchids! Otherwise, beautifully painted with rich, vibrant enamels. Circa 1810-1820.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Market/Philadelphia Compote #7369 Sold

A beautiful service and a great form, this attractive Chinese export porcelain footed compote is very finely hand-painted with a central landscape roundel with an outer border of fruits and flowers rimmed with a gilded feather edge. From a attractive service made for prominent merchant Mordecai Lewis (1749-1799) of Philadelphia who was active in America’s China Trade from the very beginning. Before the founding of the Republic his sympathies were staunchly for the colonies, and despite being a Quaker, he joined one of Philadelphia’s militia companies. Measuring 8 1/2″ high x 12 x 8″  and in good condition with only minor wear to the gilding. Circa 1795. Examples in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum, and discussed in Philadelphians and the China Trade, pages 100, 103.

 

 

 

 

Pair of Anglo-Indian Market Mahout Plates Plates #7263 SOLD

A very fine pair of Chinese export porcelain shaped dinner plates made for the Indian market, painted in Famille Rose enamels with a central scene  of a Mahout riding an elephant, the image within a shaped roundel in reserve against a beautifully painted bianco-sopra-bianco floral ground, so carefully rendered it almost resembles lace. Measuring 9 1/4″ in diameter, and in very good condition with only very small spots of stacking wear. Mid-later 18th century.

 

 

 

 

“He Is Gone” Tea Bowl Sold

Surely this is from a special order, “one off” tea set, this charming little Chinese export porcelain tea bowl is decorated with a figure of a woman leaning on an anchor, looking out at a departing ship with a caption overhead plaintively reading “He is Gone”.  The image of a woman leaning upon an anchor is the symbol of Hope, and is on the Rhode Island state flag as that state was so actively engaged in the maritime trade. Circa 1790-1800.

Important PairAmerican Market Bowls #7264 Sold

A very elegant pair of Chinese export porcelain 7 1/2″ bowls  decorated in sepia and gilding in a very neoclassical design with a central classical urn and borders of entwined ribbon and floral swags. From a service belonging to Thomas Willing (1731-1821) of Philadelphia, a prominent merchant, delegate to the Continental Congress of 1775-1776, and first president of the First Bank of the United States. Though he voted against issuing the Declaration of Independence, he later donated five thousand pounds to the American revolutionary cause. Both pieces in good condition and a great expression of Federal period style.     The major portion of this service is at Bayou Bend in Houston, Texas  .Circa 1800-1810.

 

 

 

Impressive Qianlong Period Garniture Set Sold

A rather striking Chinese export porcelain five piece garniture of impressive size and presence, decorated in underglaze blue with classic Chinese landscape scenes rendered within raised panels set against a ‘chicken skin’ ground which was created by hand-application of the finely dotted ground, all highlighted with gilded detailing. This was a lavish and time-consuming set to create at the time. Note how the silhouettes of the forms compliment each other. Considering that sets such as these were precariously placed upon chimney pieces or on top of high chests, it is remarkable what fine condition this set remains in with only one small rim chip filled to the lip of one vase. Measuring 11 1/2″ tall and dating to circa 1760-1770.

 

 

 

 

 

Rare PAIR of “The Doctor’s Visit” Plates #4158, 1 sold

A very finely painted pair of Chinese export porcelain plates decorated in famille rose enamels with “The Doctor’s Visit” design after original images commissioned by the Dutch East India Company from Dutch artist Cornelius Pronk. The unusual outer border comprised of fish within shaped and scaled lozenges which alternate with vignettes of water fowl. The fish theme continues within the central scene as two of the seated characters are actually each holding a fish. What this has to do with a “doctor’s visit” we cannot profess to say as this design has simply always been called that and the origins are now lost. What is remarkable though, besides the fine painting and wonderfully refined color palette, is that a Dutch artist was commissioned to create patterns for Chinese porcelain, featuring Chinese images, that were sold back to the Dutch market! An exemplary pair with only the most minor issues; one plate with a chip filled, the other with a hairline sealed, otherwise beautiful! Measuring 10″ in diameter. Circa 1745. Priced individually.

Elegant Celadon Hexagonal Garden Seat #7060

A very elegant Chinese export porcelain slip-decorated hexagonal form garden seat decorated with fine branches of flowering peony and prunus with birds and butterflies raised in white relief against a soothing celadon green ground. Measuring 19″ x 14″ and in very good condition. A handsome and useful addition to most any room. Late 19th/early 20th century.

 

Fine Mandarin Oval Platter #7218 SOLD

One of a graduated set of three fine platters we have from this exquisitely produced Chinese export porcelain dinner service, hand-painted in famille rose  enamels with a central courtly Mandarin scene of figures on a terrace, encircled within an orange, sepia and gilt border of equally fine quality. Measuring 10″ x 13″ and in excellent condition. Jiaqing period, circa 1795.

Qianlong Figural Candleholders #5058

A fine and rare couple of Chinese export porcelain figural candleholders fashioned in the form or court ladies each holding a lotus blossom, richly decorated in vibrant famille rose enamels, their lavish flowing robes designed with auspicious bats amongst clouds and peony blossoms  against a prunus and cracked ice ground, both ladies with capes of exotic peacock feathers. Figures such as these fed the European mania for all things Chinese and exotic and would have been part of any rich and fashionable interior of the time. Measuring 12″ tall and with restoration to the hands and lotus blossoms of both, as well as some minor re-touch to the edges of one lady’s robes, otherwise in good condition. Mid-18th century.

 

Rare SET of Eight Kangxi Famille Verte Plates #5069

Pictured here are five of a fine and rare set of eight Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period famille verte plates. Each is finely potted and decorated with a large flowering branch of the auspicious peony, the “Queen of the Flowers” and a symbol of nobility and wealth, then encircled within a outer cavetto ruyi border, and the rim edged with a foliate band with further peony blossoms. Measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter. One with a small spider crack and associated line, and one or two with very slight stacking wear, otherwise the group remains in very fine condition indeed considering their age; Kangxi period, circa 1700-1720. Makes for a very impressive and brilliant display!

Philadelphia Plates #7341

A very elegant pair of Chinese export porcelain plates, made for the American market, in particular from a special order service made for the Chew family of Philadelphia, each centered with a gilded star monogrammed with a “C”. The Chew family were active and very prominent participants in the life of Philadelphia- practicing law, presiding over courts, involved with the American Revolution and the Continental Congress, and later becoming very wealthy China traders. They built the beautiful manor house of Cliveden in Germantown, PA which still stands today.  Their rich history with Pennsylvania is discussed in Philadelphians and the China Trade 1784-1844. The plates measure 8″ in diameter, are in very good condition and date to the very early 19th century.

$1150. each

Very Fine Mandarin Plates #4626

A pattern we always seek out is this beautiful service that always has wonderful Mandarin scenes well rendered in famille rose enamels within a very rich border of flowers and butterflies against a rich, gilded ground. This must have been a one-off special order service in its day and is an excellent example of the luxury of the private trade in the early years of the 19th century. Measuring 7 3/4″ in diameter, slight stacking wear to one, otherwise in very fine condition; circa 1810.

 

 

 

 

Fine Oval Jiaqing Period Platter #7219

From several pieces we have from this fine service, this exquisitely rendered Chinese export porcelain platter is decorated in famille rose enamels with a scene of courtly figures on a terrace within a meticulously painted orange, sepia and gilt border. Measuring 7 3/4″ x 10 1/2″ and in excellent condition. Circa 1795.

Exceptional Kangxi Famille Verte 13 13/4″ Dish Charger #4920

A truly exceptional Chinese export porcelain 13 3/4″ dish charger decorated in vibrant famille verte enamels with a central scene of two birds amongst flowering peony, the border with elaborately decorated alternating panels of floral and landscape vignettes and exotic creatures and mythical beasts. Note the calligraphic ease and facility with which these characters and decoration are rendered; truly a design you can get lost in! Very good condition with only minor rim roughness to the glaze. Kangxi period, circa 1700-1720.

Exquisite Kangxi “Ling-Lung” Tea Bowl and Saucer #7356 Sold

An especially fine example of the potter’s art, this Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer is decorated in underglaze with both double wall and reticulated construction. This was, and remains today, a tour-de-force in porcelain production with hand-cut open work designs along the saucer’s edge as well as a honey-comb pattern cut into the outer wall of the tea bowl. If that were not enough, the inner wall of the tea bowl behind the reticulation is also hand-painted. This utterly remarkable piece typifies the quality of porcelain, glaze and sheer artistry of the Kangxi period artisans, and it is no wonder why it was referred to as “Ling-Lung” or “Devil’s Work” due to the amount of time, talent, and patience it took to create it. It is in surprisingly good condition with only one small ‘spoke’ missing from the roundel on one side of the tea bowl restored, otherwise, just a truly lovely object.  We have had several tea bowls over the years, but this is the first time we’ve ever had a tea bowl with a saucer.  Saucer 5 1/4″ in diameter, the tea bowl 3 1/4″ in diameter. Kangxi, circa 1690.

 

Yongzheng Subject Tea Caddy #7349 Sold

A rare Chinese export porcelain tea caddy decorated in Famille Rose enamels with a scene of a European couple depicting a rather surprised looking gentleman in a flowing black cloak presenting a basket of flowers to a rather exposed lady with a very undone bodice. The sides of the caddy with scrolling foliate and floral designs, the shoulder and cover equally well-painted with diaperwork and peony reserves, finely done probably in imitation of Canton enamel work. This was obviously part of a special order tea set given it’s subject matter and theme; one can only imagine the looks of the guests when tea was served! The rarity of the piece is attested to by the array of collection stickers on the bottom, having once belonged the Martin Hurst, Hodroff and Mottehedah collections. Measuring 4 1/4″ tall x 3 1/4″ wide and in good condition with only restoration to the cover.   Some black enamel re touched. A version of this image is depicted in Hervoet’s book Les Porcelaines des Compagnies des Indes a Decor Occidentale where they date it to the Yongzheng period, circa 1735.