Chinese Taste Archives - Polly Latham Asian Art

Fantastical Pair of Kangxi Dragon Libation Cups #7791 Sold

What color, exuberance, and symbolism in such small, personal objects! This pair of Chinese porcelain Kangxi period libation cups are finely modeled and decorated with dragon figures and designs with both the handle and the spout of each cup supported by a pair of dragons set against a detailed ground of Famille Verte enamel colors. The dragon symbolizes great power, strength, authority, and good luck with special powers over water, typhoons, rainfall, and floods. Measuring 4 1/2″ wide by 2″ tall and in remarkably good condition with only small rim frits and chips and a line to the edge of one lip, otherwise the detailed handles and dragon figures have survived the centuries unscathed. Kangxi period, circa 1700. $1,950.00 each, although they look better as a pair.

Yongzheng Cockerel Tea Bowl & Saucer #7767 Sold

Exemplifying the refinement of the Yongzheng period, this lovely octagonal form Chinese export tea bowl and saucer are hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with two cockerels (the symbol of strength and punctuality) on rockwork beneath arching branches of lush peonies, these motifs continuing around the body of the tea bowl as well. Also interesting to note is the fact that both pieces are borderless and lack the confines of the usually highly detailed diapered borders – the imagery being treated more like a painting on an open surface such as a scroll or screen. The saucer measuring 5 1/4″ in diameter , the 3 1/3″ tea bowl professionally restored. Yongzheng period, circa 1730. Acquired from the Chinese Porcelain Company by the Nelson Kline Collection. Circa 1730. $1,850.00

Mountain Form Scholar’s Brush Rest #7795 sold

A Chinese export porcelain turquoise-glazed brush rest in the form of a stylized range of five mountains resting upon an openwork floral base centered with a moth which was considered a bearer of messages from departed loved ones. An object of utility and contemplation for the scholar’s desk, measuring 3 1/2″ x 5″ and in good condition with only a small chip to one peak. Late 19th/early 20th century. $150.00

Yongzheng Period Koi Decorated Plate #7459

A fine Chinese export porcelain plate decorated in Famille Rose enamels with images of koi swimming about the center within a cavetto with a very elaborate gilded scrolling border, the outer rim with riverscape vignettes alternating with with gilded branches of peony-all exquisitely rendered as one expects to find during this period of superb porcelain production. The koi is a symbol of abundance, luck, wealth, and power, and also conjugal harmony and happiness as they are believed to mate for life. Measuring 9″ in diameter with a line to the rim into the cavetto, otherwise very good condition. Circa 1730-1735. $1150.00

Yongzheng ‘Courting Couple’ Tea Bowl & Saucer #7765 sold

A very elegant Chinese export eggshell porcelain tea bowl and saucer hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with a charming central scene of a courting couple seated beneath a tree being spied upon by a young boy (which seems to be a popular motif in Chinese art) all within a scrolling gilded peony and grisaille diapered border – the same motif appearing on the delicate little tea bowl as well. Excellent quality and in very good condition. The saucer measuring 4 1/2″, the tea bowl 2 3/4″ in diameter. Circa 1730. $2400.

Yongzheng Eggshell ‘Cockerel’ Tea Bowl & Saucer #7761c SOLD

A great example of this classic Yongzheng pattern, this Chinese export tea bowl and saucer in finely potted eggshell porcelain is very well painted in Famille Rose enamels with imagery of a cockerel on rockwork amongst flowering peony – the cockerel a symbol of strength and punctuality, the peony the symbol of wealth and nobility. In very good condition, the saucer 4 3/8″ in diameter, the tea bowl 2 1/2″ and with a good provenance from Santos of London and the the Nelson Kline Collection. Circa 1730.

Chinese Export Silver Dragon Teapot #7747 Sold

A truly fine example of China Trade silversmithing, this exquisitely hand-wrought Chinese export silver tea pot is animated with a repousse swirling dragon amongst the clouds motif as well as a floral design on the cover and spout all with chased detail and textured background highlighting the sculptural effect of the imagery. Measuring 4 1/2″ x 3 3/4″, dating to the mid-19th century, and bearing a Chinese mark, yet to be identified, but obviously the work of a superior craftsman or workshop. Very slight bend in the cover, otherwise very good condition and quality.

Kangxi Rouleau Form Vase #7745

A strikingly decorated Kangxi period rouleau form vase hand-painted in rich underglaze cobalt blue with a continuous scene of blossoming lotus – the ‘symbol of purity’. The ease and grace of the forms as they move around the vessel attest to the skills of the painter; a classic example in the Chinese taste, Measuring 11″ in height and in good condition with only restoration to the mouth of the vase. Circa 1690.

Qianlong Lotus Pad Water Dish #7620

Of unusual form, this finely modeled Chinese porcelain water dish/dropper is made in the form of a lotus pad and whimsically includes within its curled leaves a small duck and lotus blossom, the lotus pad itself brilliantly enameled and detailed – especially the modeling of the reverse side. Part of the writing accoutrements that made up part of a scholar’s studio, the water holder or dropper was essential to the making of ink and was sometimes made in whimsical or thought-provoking forms such as these. In this instance a duck combined with the lotus denotes a wish for happiness – perhaps the dish was a gift to a scholar upon his graduation from his exams? Measuring 2″ x 6 1/4″ and in good condition with the exception of a small retouch to the head and beak of the duck. Late Qianlong period, last quarter of the 18th century.

Qianlong Landscape Plate #7614

A very finely hand-painted Chinese export porcelain 9″ dinner plate, decorated in Famille Rose enamels in the Chinese taste with a central richly detailed landscape within a foliate gilded cavetto and an elegant scrollwork rim border. Good condition with only slight wear to the gilded border and faint hairline to the rim. Qianlong period, mid-18th century.

Pair of Kangxi Period Doucai Plates #7576

A lovely pair of Chinese export porcelain 8 3/4″ plates decorated in the Doucai style, a technique originating in the Ming Dynasty and later revived during the Qing Dynasty. Roughly translated it means “Fitted Colors” and it describes the technique of basically creating outlines of the design in underglaze blue, firing the piece, and then filling or “fitting in” the rest of the colors of the image in overglaze enamels, requiring a second firing. In this pair we have an elegantly rendered central scene of bamboo entwined with flowers with the floral motif of flowering branches continuing around the rim. One with a small flake to the reverse, the other with a very small frit to the rim, otherwise very good condition. Kangxi period, late 17th/ early 18th century. $3,200.00 the pair.

Pair of Hand-Painted Chinese Wallpaper Panels #7513

A charming pair of Chinese export wallpaper panels hand-painted with detailed scenes of daily life – one depicting what appears to be a family woodland outing, the other showing two scholars at a table in a garden with attendants carrying in all manner of exotic potted plants – the ubiquitous “ladies in a window” looking on. Each panel restored at some point in their history and mounted upon a canvas backing and stretcher. Needless to say wear and small restorations and re-touches commensurate with the age of the pieces, but wonderful detail, as captivating as they were over two centuries ago when they were painted. 51″ x 46″. Late 18th/early 19th century. $2,500.00 each.

Unusual Chinese Taste Grisaille Soup Plate #7381

A very finely rendered grisaille Chinese export porcelain soup plate with a central scene depicting the Buddhist legend of Pindola who was a Brahmin and a general who became a devout Buddhist. Because of the religion’s pacifism, and Pindola being forbidden to kill anymore, the king ordered him to become a monk and retire to a monastery. While there, he heard a tiger howling during the night and began leaving vegetarian meals for it outside the monastery doors at night. The tiger became tame and docile and Pindola was from then on known as the Taming Tiger Luohan. Now this is all very interesting, but what are the chances that the recipient of this dinner service in Europe in the mid-18th century knew the Legend of the Tiger Taming Luohan, let alone having specifically ordered this design? Either way, it is a great example of Europe’s unending fascination with the exotic East, and the cross-currents of design that were carried by the China Trade. Measuring 9 1/2″ in diameter and in good condition with only a faint line to the rim and slight stacking wear. Circa 1745-1750.

EXTREMELY RARE PAIR of Mother of Pearl Mandarin Duck-Form Boxes #7301

An extraordinarily rare and beautiful pair of diminutive Chinese Mandarin duck-form covered boxes, each finely modeled with their heads raised and their bodies overlaid with meticulously carved and detailed mother-of-pearl feathers, both with great charm and personality. A small piece of each back lifts to form the cover of each box and reveals a mother-of-pearl Qianlong mark, again, painstakingly carved out of mother-of-pearl, and each duck nestled, perfectly fitting, into their own custom stand. The Mandarin duck is a popular theme in Chinese art as they mate for life and symbolize marital bliss and harmony. Obviously displaying in all aspects a level of quality denoting an Imperial workshop. Measuring 2 1/2″ tall x 3 1/2″ wide. Early 19th century. A similar pair with less presence and detail sold in Christies London, November 8, 2011, Lot 0218 for 23,750 pounds.

Fine Pair of Blanc-de-Chine Libation Cups #7075

A beautifully molded pair of Chinese export porcelain blanc-de-chine libation cups each simply modeled with a sprig of prunus in relief and raised upon a naturalistic tree root base. Very fine, buttery glaze, one minute rim frit to one, otherwise very good condition. Measuring 3″ wide x 2″ tall. 17th century. pr. $750

Best Quality Yongzheng PAIR of Famille Rose Cockerel Plates #7071

A truly fine pair of Chinese export porcelain plates decorated in outstanding famille rose enamels with the classic image of cockerels amongst rockwork and flowering branches of peony, all within meticulously hand-painted diapered borders, the rim with reserves of peony, prunus and fruits. All the jewel-like enamels sit proud of the surface-Yongzheng painting at its best. Each plate measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter, both with faint star lines to glaze of each sealed and not going through to the front of the plate , otherwise, very good condition with fantastic decoration. Ex- Chait collections. Circa 1730.

Blanc de Chine Figure of Adam #6005

A very rare Chinese export porcelain Dehua blanc de chine figure of a standing male, variously called either a ‘slave’ or a ‘figure of Adam’. There is also a female version described as ‘Eve’. Figures such as these were popular with Europeans who became interested in various cultures and their costumes (or lack thereof) as colonial expansion moved around the globe. A similar example is in the Peabody Essex Museum, and are mentioned in the 1721 inventory of Augustus the Strong. Illustrated and discussed in Howard and Ayers’ China for the West, page 93. Measuring 9″ tall, with very minor chips to the back of the base and a faint glaze line going down the middle of the back, otherwise very good condition. Kangxi, circa 1700-1720.

Beautiful Set of 12 Signed Chinese Floral Paintings on Silk #5016

A truly lovely set of twelve Chinese signed floral watercolors on silk, illustrating Chinese Spring flowers. Each finely matted and mounted in a black and gold oxidized finish frame with a different flower, masterfully rendered and signed by artist Wu Meng Shu and dated 1905. Each measuring 10″ x 7 1/2″ (image), 16″ x 13″ framed. Each elegant, pleasing and soothing to study, and as a whole a beautiful presence in any room. Very good condition. Very good condition with only a slight foxing/stain to one. $9,000.00 the set.

Great Kangxi “Monkey” Soup Plate #4858

This wonderful Kangxi period Chinese export blue and white porcelain molded soup dish has an exuberant design centered with a phoenix amongst flowering peony branches encircled within a swirled lobed rim with alternating panels of further peony branches and a tree with a small monkey sitting in its branches. The finely painted peony motifs continue on a reverse with a small lotus blossom centers the bottom. Very well potted, with only a short rim line consolidated, otherwise very good condition. 8 1/2″ in diameter. Circa 1690.

Rare PAIR of Blanc-de-Chine Libation Cups #4542

A truly wonderful pair of Chinese export blanc-de-chine porcelain libation cups made in the form of bronze archaic vessels, each beautifully molded and exemplifying the and elegance of these refined and understated wares. One handle replaced, otherwise very good condition. 2 1/2″ tall x 3 1/2″ wide. Late 17th/early 18th century.