The long reign of the Emperor Kangxi (1661-1722) is associated with, among other cultural achievements, the production of some truly fine blue and white porcelain, and these two lobed dishes represent some of the quality that denotes this period. Characterized by a fine white porcelain hand-decorated with brilliant cobalt blue designs under a fine clear glaze.  Here we have an octagonal central scene with a classic Chinese landscape within a lobed border of smaller landscape scenes alternating with images of flowering branches. The form almost certainly inspired by European silver forms of the mid-17th century. The dishes measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter, the reverse even decorated with images representing flowers of the four seasons, centered with a simple mark resembling a stamped seal. One dish with a firing line to the reverse and two extremely minor rim frits, otherwise very good condition. Circa 1690s. $2,600.00 the pair.   Sold

Two truly elegant Chinese export porcelain garniture vases, one of beaker form, the other of covered baluster form, both hand-painted with over glaze blue imagery of vases of flowers, butterflies, fruits, and floral sprigs with gilded detail within reserves set against a finely detailed basket weave ground. Both reflecting the refined taste and spare decoration so popular in Federal period America at the time. The beaker measuring 10″ tall, the baluster vase 11″ tall, both in very good condition and dating to circa 1790-1800.

An especially fine pair of Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain plates, hand-painted in a brilliant and deep underglaze blue with a the central lotus blossom with a lotus form medallion against a diapered blue ground all within a lotus border with a shaped rim.  This lotus form appears to be after stylized Indian images with their scrolling leaves and alludes to the cultural design exchanges brought about by the China trade.  Measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter and just a brilliant example of Kangxi potting, glaze, and decoration from a period that created outstanding blue and white wares.  Very good condition, Circa 1690s. $2,250.00.

A rather rare form in Kangxi Chinese export porcelain, this very finely potted handled cup, cover, and saucer are hand-painted with a deep cobalt underglaze blue with an overall lotus theme consisting of individual lotus petal-shaped panels containing flowering lotus blossoms; the form possibly after European silver shapes of the period.  The cup and cover measuring 5 1/2″ tall, the saucer 5 1/2″ in diameter.  Minor enamel loss to the finial of the cup, otherwise in unusually fine condition. Circa 1690s. One of a PAIR available.  $1350.

A very fine pair of Chinese export porcelain lotus-form dishes very well painted in rich cobalt blue underglaze enamels, each lotus petal decorated with one o the flowers of the Four Seasons – peony, prunus, chrysanthemum and lotus, encircling a central roundel of flowers and insects amongst rockwork.  Measuring 8 3/4″ across and in very good condition, exemplifying some of best quality Kangxi export porcelain of this period.  Circa 1690s. $1,150.00 each.  All perfect & painted in a rich cobalt blue.

A truly magnificent volume illustrating the expansive and carefully curated Freylinghuysen Collection of Chinese and Japanese blue and white export porcelains. Lavishly illustrated, the reader is guided through the last four centuries of blue and white porcelain in all its beautiful forms and decorations by the author, scholar and specialist, Becky McGuire who was long-time Asian Export Art specialist at Christies auction house. Four-hundred-thirty-one pages with great photographs –  a great gift for any collector – or for yourself!  $100.00

A very fine quality pair of Kangxi covered jars with reeded bodies and hand-painted in underglaze blue with figural roundels and bordered around the shoulder and base with decorative bands – one with floral bands of peony and chrysanthemum, the other with cranes amongst clouds and ‘antique’ objects. Both topped with well-carved wood openwork covers and both in excellent condition. Kangxi period, late 17th century. Lovely form and lovely condition.

A truly remarkable survivor, this extremely fine Chinese export porcelain covered ewer is hand-painted in underglaze blue with hand-cut honey comb panels revealing a double wall construction, also with painted decoration – the same conceit continued onto the domed cover. Decorated on the neck with a peony design, and on the sides with swirling dragons.  The form most likely after Middle Eastern/Persian metal wares but here brought to a whole other level.  Kangxi period, late 17th century. Very good condition. A tour-de-force of the potter’s art. Ex-Chait collection.  Extensively discussed and illustrated in Jorge Welsh’s book Ling Long, pages 54-59.

A fine pair of Blue Fitzhugh patterned Chinese export porcelain quatrefoil shaped serving dishes bearing a central crest for either the arms of Alexander or Kiddell, illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Volume II, page 540.  This is a rare form, in a strikingly intense blue and in very good condition. Circa 1805.

A rare form and a remarkable story adds to the interest of this Chinese export porcelain ‘Feeder’ Cup decorated in underglaze blue with images of lotus, rockwork, and willow.  Made to feed broth the sick or infirm, this piece  may have been part of the great Nanking Cargo that left China with a load of porcelain in 1750, but was sunk in the South China Seas by a storm. The wreck and it’s contents were salvaged in the 1980s and its contents were sold by Christies in an historic auction.   This piece is in very good condition with only rim chips and frits filled by its previous owners, the noted dealers Matthew and Elizabeth Sharpe.  Measuring 5 1/8″ across including the spout, and 2 3/8″ tall.   $975.00