An impressively sized Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period punch pot (or large tea pot) decorated in Famille Verte enamels decorated around the body with floral symbols of the Four Seasons – peony, prunus, lotus, and chrysanthemum, edged with a ruyi border around the shoulder, the motifs continuing on the cover.  Measuring 71/2″ tall by 10″ wide.  Restoration to the base of the spout and the cover, along with small lines around the base of the handle; beautiful, vibrant enamels. Circa 1700.

Just one of the finest ruby ground pieces of Yongzheng wares we’ve enjoyed having, this thinly potted and exquisitely decorated tea bowl and saucer bear finely rendered grisaille peony cartouches in reserve against a rich, flawless ruby red ground, both pieces edged with a gilt-diapered and floral border. This would have been part of a very expensive tea set, painstakingly produced as the even, rich ruby ground color was very difficult to fire in the kiln and produce. The saucer measuring 4 1/2″ in diameter, the tea bowl 2 7/8″, and both translucent pieces without any apparent damage or restoration with the exception of a minute flea bite on the edge of the saucer.  From the Nelson Kline Collection. Circa 1730.

A beautiful example of Chinese export porcelain made during the Yongzheng period, this charming 4 1/2″ covered jug is hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels, centered with a roundel of a cockerel (the symbol of fidelity and punctuality) beneath an arching branch of flowering peony (the symbol of wealth and nobility) and flanked by cartouches featuring peony and chrysanthemum en grisaille against a cellwork ground and diapered border, the motifs continued on to the cover.  There appears to be a short firing line on the arch of the handle at some point in-filled, other than that, excellent condition and elegant quality and with a stellar provenance having come from Santos of London and the Nelson Kline Collection.  Circa 1730.

One of the most striking armorial services made in the classic Fitzhugh pattern this beautifully hand-painted 9 3/4″ dinner plate and it’s accompanying 3 1/4″ pot-de-creme are both from a custom ordered service, each centered with the Arms of Seton quartering Hay, one of four services made for this family, this one made for Sir Alexander Seton, fifth baronet, who, along with his three sons, were all involved in the service of the Honourable East India Company. Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, vol. II, page 541. Very good condition. Circa 1810.

A remarkably fine pair of Chinese export porcelain 10″ soup  plates meticulously hand-painted in the Raspberry Fitzhugh pattern – one of the more sought-after colors in this pattern – each centered with a gilded roundel depicting a bucolic scene with a horse and carriage, the fine, untouched gilded decoration continuing around the cavetto with a meandering vine pattern.  In stunning virtually perfect condition, one of the best examples we’ve ever had. Circa 1810-1820.

An unusual pair of Chinese export porcelain Mandarin plates, richly hand-painted  in Famille Rose enamels with wonderful courtly views.  In addition to the fantastic snapshots of Mandarin life, what makes these scenes more unusual than most is that the plate is treated as a blank canvas, the scene rendered across the whole surface to the plate, unframed and unconstricted by extraneous borders – not to mention the rich detail and unusual angles of perspective.  Beautiful condition, measuring 8″ in diameter and dating to circa 1800-1810.

A wonderful pair of very colorful, decorative, and amusing plates realistically hand-painted with with all manner of aquatic life; fish, shells, crabs and shrimp. From a service belonging to Frederick Dent Grant, the son of President Ulysses S. Grant. Frederick was born in 1850 and died in 1912. After attending West Point, his early military career saw him serving in the U.S. Cavalry before resigning to accompany his father on a world tour in 1887 during which time they visited China where this service was most likely ordered. In 1889 he was appointed U.S. Minister to Austria-Hungary, and then later he served as Police Commissioner for the City of New York, and at the end of the century he returned to military service in the Spanish American War as a Brigadier General in the Regular Army. Measuring 9 1/2″ in diameter and in very good condition. Circa 1870.

A fantastic Chinese export porcelain soup plate in the Green Fitzhugh pattern made for the American Market centered with well-rendered image of a spread eagle taken from the Great Seal of the United States, clutching an olive branch in one talon and a quiver of arrows in the other, with a banner inscribed E Pluribus Unum in its beak, and supporting a shield with the gilded initials AF of the original owner, as yet unidentified, all within a brilliant green Fitzhugh design. Measuring 9 3/4″ in diameter and with two lines to the reverse rim restored, otherwise in good condition and a very fine example of the American eagle.  Circa 1825.

A rather poignant Chinese export porcelain trio of tea bowl, handled cup, and saucer made for the American market hand-painted with a forlorn maiden leaning upon an anchor (the symbol of Hope) as she watches a ship departing, undoubtedly bearing her love away, an inscription above the scene declaring “He is gone”. The ship bearing two American flags, so undoubtedly made for the American market and a reminder of the great risks that early mariners took to make their fortunes at sea.  Other than a hairline to the saucer sealed, all pieces in good condition. The saucer 5″ in diameter, the tea bowl 3 1/2″ and the cup  3 1/2″ tall.  Circa 1795.

The best example of this early Yongzheng period service we’ve ever handled, this lovely Chinese export porcelain soup plate, ordered for the English market, bears the bold central Arms of Hanbery with Comyin in Pretence all with an extremely rich and detailed gilded grapevine border. Little expense was spared to create this fine service which is at odds with whom it was made for,  one John Hanbury a wealthy Quaker London tobacconist who held considerable lands in Maryland and Virginia which were worked by enslaved laborers drawing much ire and scorn from his Quaker friends and associates.  Mr. Hanbury is further discussed and an example of this service illustrated in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, page 265.  Minor rim chips and a line to the reverse, but the front in virtually pristine condition, the gilding especially fine.  9″ in diameter.  Circa 1730-1735.  Ex- Elinor Gordon collection.

A very beautiful form in strikingly fine condition, this wonderful Chinese export porcelain covered sauce tureen is decorated in the Orange Fitzhugh pattern and bears the arms of Seton quartering Hay.  Remarkably, this one of four services made for this family between 1770 and 1820 and given the family connections to the Honourable East India Company it is easy to see why that family was awash in fine porcelain.  According to Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. II, page 541, Sir Alexander Seton, 5th Baronet and his three sons all served in the company.  In addition to the great family history, the piece itself is a desirable bombe form with fine molded grapevine and gilded detail and in superlative condition. Measuring 6″ x 7″.  Circa 1810.

A fine Chinese export porcelain quatrefoil-shaped serving dish very well-painted in the Orange Fitzhugh pattern, the quality of the design made even more attractive being centered with a bold armorial crest and motto of a hand clenching a truncheon and inscribed Je le Maintiendrai.  From a service made for the Nesbitt family of County Westmeath, Ireland.  Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, vol. I, page 691. Measuring 8 1/2″ square, combining beautiful quality and superb condition. Circa 1810.

One of the best versions of this pattern, this elegant Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer, made for the American Market is hand-painted with the Seal of the Arms of New York and a fine gilded central roundel with the original owners’ monogram above two American shields and surmounted by an uncaged version of an eagle, the roundel’s supporters featuring a maiden holding a staff with the Liberty cap and another in the guise of Justice with her blindfold, sword and scales, all within an overglaze blue border decorated with gilt stars and resting upon a band of very finely hatched gilded diapering.  This pattern was made in varying degrees of detail and quality and these pieces came from one of the best bespoke services we have seen in this pattern – a saucer from this service is  illustrated and discussed in Howard’s New York and the China Trade, page 91 and is dated to circa 1795.  Both pieces of shaped and molded form and in very good condition; from a superb private collection of American market wares, the collector only seeking out the best examples.

A rare design made for the Chinese export American Market this attractive tea bowl and saucer is hand-painted with images of both the American Eagle taken from an early version of the Great Seal of the United States, along with an image of Fame and her trumpet floating above it. Fame, of course, being best known for her appearance on the much sought-after Order of Cincinnati service ordered for George Washington. Here the elements are successfully used together in these charming pieces boasting of their pride in the new American Republic.  The saucer 5 1/2: in diameter, the tea bowl 3 1/2″.  There appears to be a possible short line to the saucer rim sealed, and a firing imperfection below the eagle on the saucer, otherwise good condition. Circa 1795-1800. From a prominent American Market private collection.

A very attractive Chinese export porcelain saucer decorated with natural marine motifs of sepia shells and seaweed with fine gilt detailing, from a tea service made for Oliver Wolcott, Jr. of Connecticut, the grandson of a colonial governor of Connecticut and the son of a signer of the Declaration of Independence.  He was born in 1760 in Litchfield, Ct, attended Yale and studied law. He was Secretary of the Treasury in Washington’s cabinet after Alexander Hamilton resigned, and continued in the position into the administration of John Adams. He later relocated to New York city and established the trading firm of Oliver Wolcott and Company and started trading with China from 1804 until 1810. That is when he most likely acquired this fine tea service. He then went on to be Director of the Bank  of the United States, and then co-founder of the Bank of America.  He died in 1833, the last surviving member of Washington’s cabinet. The saucer measuring 5″ in diameter, small Y-shaped line to the reverse of the saucer sealed,  and in good condition.  From a prominent American market private collection.

A very finely potted and decorated Chinese export porcelain armorial tea bowl and saucer, hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels and gilding, centered with a coat of arms bearing a large six-pointed star and surmounted by a knight’s helmet crest, surrounded by gilded flowers within a scrolling foliate border.   It is interesting that it bears the hexagram, the six-pointed star that many of us know as the Star of David from Judaism and is also one of the oldest symbols for God in the Christian religion, but,  we are grateful to Angela Howard who kindly identified the arms of those of HAGGARD and the emblem of the six-pointed star, actually called a ‘mullet’ in heraldry, used on coats of arms in Britain and Europe, and it represented either a in a six or five- pointed form the spur of a knight.  Yongzheng period, circa 1730.  In good condition with only a very slight line to the reverse of the saucer sealed.  The saucer 4 1/2″ in diameter, the tea bowl 2 7 /8″.  Ex-Nelson Kline Collection.

A very elegant pair of Chinese export porcelain reticulated sweetmeat dishes of fan-shaped form each hand-painted with a small vignette of flowers, birds, and butterflies within a leaf-shaped reserve against a very finely gilded scrolling foliate ground – the motif continued around the rim edge which borders the sides of hand-cut reticulation.  Almost certainly part of a supper set which would have had other similar components forming an outer ring of these lotus petal shaped dishes around a central circular dish, the suite coming in a fitted box. Part of an extravagant and luxurious set for the circa 1800 dining table. Each measuring 4 1/2″ x  5 1/4″ and other than a very small rim chip and minor glaze imperfections, in very good condition with very fine painting.

An especially fine Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period armorial plate made for the English market, decorated with a central coat-of arms within an iron red scrolling foliate border, the rim meticulously hand-painted with a soft grisaille floral ground with four reserves of gilded peonies and butterflies, all truly elegant. Bearing the Arms of Braithwaite impaling Tayleur.  Fully illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. II, page 193.  The Yorkshire family has quite an interesting history with colonial connections to both South Africa and the Coromandel Coast.  This plate is the one actually illustrated in Howard’s book, ex-Nelson Kline Collection.  Measuring 9″ in diameter and in good condition. Circa 1733.

An amazingly detailed armorial decoration on this fine Chinese export porcelain saucer from this Yongzheng period.  Finely potted and enameled in the Famille Rose palette, the top half of the saucer is centered with a lavish, baroque Arms of Goodwin of Devon and Suffolk and the lower half very well painted with a typical Chinese design of cockerels amongst peony blossoms all within and rockwork, surrounded by cellwork and diapered cavetto and border.  What a mind-boggling amount of talent and time was lavished on this one fine saucer, the tea set must have been beautiful and impressive, as was its intention at the time.  Measuring 4 1/2″ in  diameter and with only a small rim flake  to the reverse edge filled, otherwise very food condition. Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, page 231 and from the Nelson Kline Collection.  Circa 1730.

A very interesting commemorative Chinese export porcelain saucer and beaker cup (or large tea bowl) made for the American market, each piece hand-painted with a scene of the authors of the Declaration of Independence presenting their document to John Hancock over which hovers a rather large American eagle, taken from the Great Seal of the United States, holding a banner in its beak inscribed The Declaration of Independence  as well as a small oval beneath the bird reading 1776. The scene on the saucer encircled with a floral sprig and star border, which does not appear on the cup. These wares were most likely produced to commemorate our nation’s centennial in 1876. The image is from one of four large paintings commissioned by John Trumbell to decorate the Capitol rotunda, the images so popular that Currier & Ives reproduced them in print form.  The print was most likely the source from which Chinese decorators worked to create these designs. Illustrated and discussed in Schiffer’s China for America, pages 144-145.  Both pieces in very good condition, the saucer measuring 5 3/4″ in diameter, the beaker cup 2 1/2″ tall x 3 1/2″.

An especially fine Chinese export porcelain octagonal form tea pot stand meticulously hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels centered with a roundel of peony blossoms surrounded by lotus petal panels of amazingly rendered cellwork in alternating pastel colors all within a scrolling peony border with a gilded ground. The enamels are jewel-like and the attention to detail is even carried over to the reverse where the flared scalloped rim is glazed with a rich raspberry red.  One can only imagine how striking an entire tea service would have been.  Measuring 5″ across and in excellent condition.  Yongzheng period, circa 1730.  Ex- Nelson Kline Collection.

A very finely rendered Chinese porcelain tea bowl and saucer, hand-painted in underglaze blue with a Chinese landscape scene including a walled village amongst a continuous landscape including all the classic elements of water, rockwork, and trees all done in superb detail.  The saucer measuring 4 3/4″ in diameter, the tea bowl 2 7/8″ and in good condition with only three very minute rim lines to the reverse of the saucer sealed.  Late Kangxi/ Yongzheng, early 18th century.  From the Chinese Porcelain Company and the Collection of Nelson Kline.

A very intriguing Chinese porcelain scholar’s water dropper in the form of a man in front of rockwork holding a peach seated besides swirling water with spotted horse lunging out of the waves. Decorated in Famille Rose enamels, this piece would have formed part of the fittings of a scholar’s studio, a water dropper being necessary to dilute the powdered ink for his calligraphy.  As for the subject, all we can say is there is nothing done in Chinese art that doesn’t bear some symbolic meaning, and this piece has so far eluded us. But the legend, or myth, or symbolism would surely have been known to the person using the piece along with imparting some message or well wishes. Measuring 3″ x 4 1/2″ and in good condition and with a good provenance suggested by the stickers on the reverse.(hands with restoration)  Early Qianlong, circa 1740-1750.

A wonderful Chinese export porcelain early Qianlong period tea bowl and saucer with a Dutch royal connection, richly decorated in Famille Rose enamels and centered with the Arms of the Prince of Orange depicted as two lions flanking the royal arms beneath a rather grand crown crest all within a wonderful rococo floral swagged border with cornucopia and two more crowns (just to get the point across!) The tea bowl measuring 3″ in diameter and the saucer 4″ in diameter.  The saucer with two lines sealed and two very small rim pieces out, also invisibly restored, otherwise good condition with a bright and colorful rococo decoration. Early Qianlong period, circa 1745. From the Chinese Porcelain Company and the Nelson Kline Collection.

A very fine Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period teabowl beautifully hand-painted with a very elaborate family armorial within a scalloped roundel and on the reverse the family crest within a similar roundel both in reserve against a meticulously rendered grisaille cellwork ground with gilded peony blossoms. Measuring 3″ in diameter and in very good condition. Circa 1730-1735.

The quality of the Yongzheng period never ceases to amaze with this fine Chinese export porcelain armorial tea bowl and saucer, both pieces with a central roundel against a finely rendered grisaille cellwork ground containing an unusual armorial with a helmet crest above a simple gilt and orange circle containing three X’s and a crescent moon. The arms surrounded by four leaf-shaped reserves – two of gilded peony blossoms, the other two of chrysanthemum and  prunus, most likely painted in silver, now tarnished.  The arms as yet unidentified, but surely from a bespoke tea service made for a noble family.  The saucer, 4 1/2″ in diameter, with s very short line to the reverse, otherwise in good condition, the tea bowl 2 7/8″ in diameter.  Circa 1730. Ex- Nelson Kline Collection.

A charming and rare Chinese export porcelain miniature square-tapering covered vase, mounted on a stand, each side finely decorated with a different vignette of exotic birds and flowers in reserve against a subtle bianco sopra-bianco floral ground.  Measuring 4 3/4″ tall and in good condition.  Qianlong period, third quarter of the 18th century.  Ex-Nelson Kline Collection.

A rather rare variation of the classic Fitzhugh pattern, this Chinese export porcelain 9″ soup plate is finely hand-painted in the Yellow Fitzhugh design – one of the rarest of the colorways that this pattern came in.  There are few examples of this much sought-after color today simply because we think the color was difficult and expensive to produce.  Even with three hairlines to the reverse and some stacking wear this is a remarkably rare and desirable piece for any Fitzhugh collector.  19th century.

A dramatic Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period plate centered with a flamboyant coat of arms within a honeycomb patterned cavetto of iron red and gilding and a rim beautifully painted with flowers and scholar’s objects, and edged with a gilded scrolling band.  Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. II, page 151 where it is attributed to either the Mountford family or the Morford family.  The decoration makes us think perhaps Morford as one Charles Morford was an English supercargo on a Swedish ship sailing to Canton in 1732 which fits into the Yongzheng period. Measuring 9″ in diameter with only a small line to the rim sealed and frits filled, otherwise a great piece with a great armorial design.  Circa 1732-1735.

A refined Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng tea bowl decorated in Famille Rose enamels in the Chinese taste with a continuous design of  lotus and a water fowl.  Finely potted and reflecting the elegance of this great but short-lived reign and with soft, pastel enamel borders to the interior rim.  Measuring 3″ in diameter, in very good condition, circa 1730.  Ex-Nelson Kline Collection.

An exceptionally charming Chinese export porcelain Qianlong period teapot extravagantly decorated in Famille Rose enamels with a pair of very energetic Foo Lions forming both the handle and the spout, accompanied by their pup who is cavorting with a ball which forms the knop to the cover. The globular body is embellished with a pair of reticulated floral bosses flanked by lotus and the shoulder with a lappet collar.  This sort of over-the-top design was all the rage in Europe where there was a mania for “the exotic” and whimsical at this time.  Measuring  5 1/2″ x 8″ and in good condition with only a chip to the spout.  Early Qianlong, circa 1745.

A rather eye-catching Chinese export porcelain armorial soup plate made for the English market with an intensely underglaze blue design hand-painted with richly detailed florals around the border of chrysanthemum, peony and prunus, centered at the top with a polychrome and gilded armorial shield for the Arms of Pott in pretence with Clarke, the cavetto diapered with vignettes of scholars’ oblects, all surrounding a stylized central floral roundel.  Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, vol. II, page 132, one of two services ordered for this family, this one being the earlier of the two, dating to circa 1730.  With a faint line in the well of the plate, otherwise in good condition, and needless to say, brilliant Yongzheng quality. 9 ” in diameter.

An incredibly rare survivor this Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period teapot not only proved the test of time but is a tour-de-force of the potter’s and decorator’s art.  Hand-painted in underglaze blue with a rich scrolling peony design, the body of the pot is of double-wall form with the exterior wall painstaking hand-cut in a honeycomb pattern through which one can see further painted decoration of the interior wall.  The cover also reticulated with two concentric rows of  small vertical slashes, also painted within.  Obviously treasured since its creation, this piece shows no evidence of restoration to the delicate reticulation, but must also have been used at some point as there is minor restoration around the neck of pot under the lid and minute glaze fritting to the tip of the spout and edge of the cover.  Measuring 5 1/4″ tall by 6 1/2″ wide. Kangxi period, circa 1690.

Step aside Spider Man, Zhong Kui the Demon Hunter is here!  This remarkable Chinese porcelain figural group depicts the legendary “Demon Hunter and King of the Ghosts” Zhong Kui and his loyal friend Du Ping.  As legend has it, Zhong Kui took the imperial exams, and despite achieving very high scores he was stripped of his honors because of his grotesque appearance.  He was so dishonored and ashamed that he committed suicide, but while in Hell the injustice done to Zhong Kui was acknowledged and his skills were recognized and he was named King of the Ghosts and Demon Hunter and given supernatural abilities to protect all humans from these malevolent spirits.  To this day his image is hung on doors of homes and businesses to protect against ghosts and demons. He is depicted here with his devoted sidekick in wonderful form and expression, beautifully enameled and in very good condition. Measuring 6 1/2″ tall by 3 1/2″ wide and dating to the late 18th/early 19th century.  You’ll feel safer just having him in your home.

A rare survivor of a rare form, this Chinese export porcelain miniature covered jug is decorated in Famille Rose enamels with a charming image of two children going off to school, their mother watching from the doorway. Taken from an 18th century print by Bartolozzi, after a painting by William Hamilton. From a miniature tea set special-ordered for a very special girl, this was indeed an extravagant luxury for a child at this time. One similar set belonging to the Morris family of Philadelphia is illustrated and discussed in Schiffer’s China for the America, page 171. This particular example has a gilded monogram above the decoration which the Morris pieces do not have. Measuring 3 5/8″ tall and in very good condition, late 18th century.

A very handsome and quite decorative pair of Chinese export porcelain figures of standing cranes, in mirror image poses supported by rockwork bases. Measuring 16 1/2″ tall and with some restoration.  Jiaqing period, late 18th/early 19th century.

A finely decorated Chinese export porcelain 6 1/4″ diameter saucer meticulously painted en grisaille with iron red detail with a central scalloped roundel centered with a pair of cockerels – the symbol of strength and endurance – surrounded with a wide border of elaborately scrolling peony and foliate decoration against a rich gilded ground. This must have been part of a once very lavish and expensive tea set, dating to the Yongzheng period circa 1730-1735.  One small line to the rim sealed, otherwise very good condition and superlative quality decoration, bearing an old Suchow & Seigal collection sticker.

A remarkable object from the French colonial days of American history, this attractive Chinese export porcelain armorial teapot is from a service bearing the Arms of Billouart de Kerlerac  and belonged to French Naval Commander Louis Billouart de Kerlerac who served in the French navy during the Seven Years War and was eventually made Governor of Louisiana. He was the last representative of France in the French colony, it then being ceded to Spain in 1762, and then to the British 1783.  Very good condition, measuring 6″ tall by 8″ across, and dating to the Qianlong period, circa 1745.

An exceptional example in especially fine condition, this grisaille-rendered tea bowl and saucer bears the Arms of  Vaughan impaling Hallowell.  The service was made for Samuel Vaughan upon his marriage to Sarah Hallowell of Boston in 1747 and the design was taken from a bookplate by Thomas Chippendale which is meticulously re-created line for line by the Chinese painter imitating the bookplate.  One of three services made for this family, this service though bears the Latin motto inscription.  Illustrated and discussed in Schiffer’s China for America, page 34. Very good condition.

A truly exquisite pair of Chinese Yongzheng period saucers, meticulously hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with images of cockerels amongst rockwork and peonies. The peony being a symbol of wealth and nobility, the ‘Queen of the Flowers’ and the cockerel a symbol of strength, endurance and punctuality.  The brilliant enamels ‘sit proud’ of the surface of these very thinly potted saucers which bear all the hallmarks of Yongzheng period quality. Measuring 4 1/2″ in diameter with only a minor frit filled. Circa 1735.

Kangxi period porcelain at it’s best – this refined Chinese export rose water sprinkler is enhanced with silver mounts setting off its already brilliant underglaze blue decoration. Almost after Persian metal forms which were used for ablutions of scented water during meals, this piece represents the centuries old exchange between China is and Persia where forms and decoration from both cultures inspired each others designs. Measuring 10″ tall and in good condition, dating to circa 1690.

Another very fine Chinese Yongzheng period saucer from our collection decorated in rich Famille Rose enamels and gilding in the Chinese taste with a remarkably detailed scene of a courtly lady lavishly attired playing a stringed instrument with a small boy nearby bearing a ruyi scepter all within a minutely detailed gilded diapered cavetto, the rim edged with pink enamel cell work with floral reserves, all supported on an eggshell thin body. The same artistry and attention to detail was spent decorating this 4 1/2″ saucer as would been taken on the production of a large plate or charger, such is the quality of this period’s porcelain.  Very good condition. Circa 1735.

A beautifully modeled and detailed pair of late 18th century Mandarin ducks finely enameled and glazed.  The Mandarin duck appears frequently in Chinese art as it is the symbol of marital bliss and harmony as they mate for life.  Measuring 5″ across and in very good condition.

A very fine example of Chinese export armorial porcelain made for the English market, this 14″ charger is boldly centered with the flamboyant Arms of Lee quartering Astley, one of three services made for the family of Lee of Coton in Shropshire. What is truly remarkable is the border decoration which is finely rendered with alternating scenes of London and the Pearl River just below Canton. Why a family in rural Shropshire ordered a dinner service with these images is not quite known, but the juxtaposition of the London and the Pearl River sum up the growing power and expanse of the English East India Company and the beginnings of the British Empire.  A beautiful object and great historical document. Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, page 329. Dating to circa 1735 and with restoration.

A beautiful pair of Chinese export porcelain 8 1/2″ dishes of molded form decorated in underglaze blue with central scenes of Mandarin dusks swimming amongst lotus with two cranes flying overhead, all within a multi-lobed rim with panels of floral decoration. The lotus is a symbol of purity, the ducks a symbol of marital harmony as they are believed to mate for life, and the cranes are revered second only to the phoenix amongst winged creatures as they are symbols of strength and endurance as they fly such long distances. Crane feathers are worn is amulets against ill heath. The molded lobed rim is most likely after European silver and delft forms of the period. Minor rim roughness filled, otherwise very good condition. Circa 1690.

A highly detailed and finely potted Chinese export porcelain saucer made for the European market, hand-painted with a bucolic scene of country folk playing cards beneath a tree with a serving maid readily at hand with a jug of refreshments – a wonderful scene of farmyard hens and chickens about their feet. The rendering taken from a painting by the Flemish artist David Teniers (1610-1690) who specialized in this sort of peasant life genre and whose work was very popular.  Measuring 4 3/4″ in diameter, and in very good condition with only two very minor rim frits filled.  One of the best renditions of this scene we’ve ever had.  Circa 1740.

A very finely enameled Chinese export porcelain handled cup with a broad band of butterflies and insects within floral and diapered borders.  Produced after designs by Dutch artist Cornelius Pronk, commissioned from the Dutch East India Company.  As these pieces very rarely appear on the market, we assume that this was a one-off special order tea service.  Good condition with only a line to the interior with a professional museum seal, the enamels in brilliant order. 2 3/4″ tall. Circa 1735-1740.