An especially finely painted Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer made for the American market, each piece decorated with a figure of HOPE  and her anchor within an ermine-mantled shield. Most likely made for a prominent merchant or sea captain from the rather maritime state of Rhode Island whose state seal depicts the same figure. Very small frit to the rim of the tea bowl, otherwise both pieces in excellent condition. The saucer measuring 5 1/2″ in diameter, the tea bowl 2″ tall. From a very prominent collection of China Trade American market porcelain. Circa 1790-1800.

A very elegant form, this beautifully enameled Chinese export porcelain armorial compote is decorated in famille rose enamels with Mandarin scenes in reserve against a background of flowers and butterflies, the same motifs filling a rim border that is centered at each crest with a finely detailed armorial roundel bearing the Arms of Seton. This is the fourth of five services made for this family, most likely ordered by one of the brothers of Sir Henry John Seton, 6th Baronet, who were all involved with the British East India Company. Sir John Henry served in the Peninsular War and was a Groom-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria.  Measuring 6 1/2″ tall x 13″ x 7″ and in very good condition with the exception of minor wear to the gilding. The interior scene especially beautifully rendered. Discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. II, page 674. Circa 1820.

A really refined pair of Chinese export porcelain reticulated covered chestnut baskets, decorated in famille rose enamels with gilded highlights with elegant floral bouquets and borders. The form and decoration almost certainly after European designs of the period, and the reticulation, painstakingly hand cut from the leather hard clay before firing. It is amazing that these fine pieces survived intact with their original undertrays. Excellent condition, measuring 6 1/2″ tall, the undertrays 9 1/2″ across. Circa 1780-1790.

An incredibly rare Chinese export porcelain American market commemorative ‘Chief Seattle’ plate, bearing the central image of Chief Seattle (178?-1866) seated within a prunus and bamboo roundel, his name inscribed above on a small banner, all within a blue enameled interlocking ring cavetto border, the rim with gilded branches of peony. Chief Seattle led the Duwamish and Suquamish Tribes as the first Euro-American settlers arrived in the greater Seattle area in the 1850s. Baptized Noah by Catholic missionaries, Chief Seattle was regarded as a firm friend of the white settlers who named the region’s future central city in his honor. He was a respected leader among the Salish tribes, signing the Point Elliot Treaty of 1855 which relinquished tribal claims to most of the area, and opposing Native American attempts to dislodge settlers during the “Indian wars” of 1855-1856.  He retired to the Suquamish Reservation at Port Madison, and died there on June 7 1866. It is most likely that this plate was a commemorative piece on the 50th anniversary of his death.

Chief Seattle, though, is most famous for a speech he made around 1854 when the United States government aggressively offered to buy two million acres of land  then occupied by native people in the Northwest. The speech was Seattle’s reply to President Franklin Pierce’s “offer” to buy the land and it has been described as one of the most beautiful and prophetic statements on the environment ever made.

Measuring 6″ in diameter with two very small line s to the reverse sealed. A remarkably rare image and tribute to a great Native American to be found on Chinese export, or anywhere for that matter.

A very beautiful and desirable form, this wonderful Chinese export porcelain famille verte kendi is a pouring vessel adapted from a Japanese form. It is molded around the lower body with panels meant to resemble lotus petals-a symbol of purity- and this motif is continued with the spout which is cleverly fashioned to resemble an actual lotus bud, the rest of the decoration is finely rendered with flowering peony blossoms. Measuring 8″ tall, the piece is in good condition for its age with only a line to the neck of the vessel and various small rim frits restored. Kangxi period, circa 1700-1720.

An exceptional example of a Chinese export porcelain plate in the famous Le Pecheur pattern, meticulously rendered en grisaille with  a western of a scene of a fisherman on a river bank, taken from a European engraving of the period-note the attention to detail with the Chinese painter capturing virtually every line of the print! This decoration is then complimented with some superb gilding. Measuring 9″ in diameter and in very good condition. Circa 1740-1745.

A really stunning Yonzgheng period Chinese export porcelain 9″ plate made for the Dutch Market, of the best quality porcelain and decoration, centered with the Arms of Jan Albert Sichterman which features a large squirrel in profile grasping a nut against a patterned gilded within a rather regal armorial cartouche. Fully illustrated and discussed in Kroe’s book on Chinese armorial porcelain for the Dutch market, page 130.  Very good condition, and with an intriguingly old collection sticker on the reverse. Circa 1730.

A fine example of the Fitzhugh pattern in a very desirable color, the Chinese export porcelain 9 3/4″ dinner plate is meticulously hand-painted in a vibrant raspberry enamel. With only two small lines to the reverse sealed, it is in very good condition and dates to circa 1800.

Another fine piece from our collection made for the Indian market, this beautifully rendered famille rose plate is centered with an image of a Mahout astride his elephant, encircled within a rim border of very well-rendered bianco-sopra-bianco scrolling foliate decoration resembling lace. Measuring 9 1/4″ in diameter and in very good condition with the exception of a small line to the reverse sealed, and two very minor glaze frits to the edge. Mid-18th century. (See Item #7221 for a charger in this same design).

A great example of Chinese export porcelain decorated en grisaille, this very well-rendered 9″ plate is from a small group depicting various scenes from the life of Christ, this one picturing a central scene of the Nativity, undoubtedly taken from prints of the period, all within an elaborate European rococo style border with gilt highlights. Very good condition, other than a small rim chip to reverse. Ex-collection of M. Bascourt, Antiquarian, Antwerp. Circa 1745.

A rather rare Chinese Blanc-de-Chine porcelain bowl molded with a band of figures of birds amongst grapevines above a lower register of swirled gardooning. Measuring 6 1/4″ in diameter and in very good condition. Bearing a Franzero Collection sticker as well as an old Chait Galleries sticker from New York. Kangxi period, 1662-1722.

A fine Chinese export porcelain covered sauce tureen and stand decorated in underglaze blue with a rather rare landscape view, and with each piece also bearing a small armorial crest of a lion rampant. The crest derives from an English family into which Mary Fanueil Bethunes married and the service descended in the Fanueil family. She was a descendant of the famous Fanueil family of Boston, prominent merchants of Huguenot descent and creators of the well-known Fanueil Hall which still stands as a centerpiece of Boston’s downtown. The unusual decoration is discussed in Ayers’ China for the West, Vol. II, page 546 where the rather singular rendering of the large thatched structure is conjectured to be an actual building taken from a drawing, perhaps someplace along the Pearl River in the environs of Canton. Measuring approximately 8″ long, the piece is in very good condition. It includes a second sauce tureen and stand, which is damaged, but presents well to form as pair. Circa 1790.   $3800.00

A very fine pair of Chinese export porcelain 7 1/2″ plates made for the American Market and bears the Arms of Morgan, from a service made for John Morgan of Hartford, CT. Carried back on the ship the Empress of China upon which Morgan’s nephew was ship’s carpenter. Very good condition. Circa 1784. Illustrated in Schiffer’s China for America, page 48. ONE Available

A fine and rare pair of Chinese export porcelain Sepia Fitzhugh warming dishes, made for the American market, with a direct China Trade connection as they are from a service made for Richard Renshaw Thomson, a one time United States Consul to Canton and a son of a prominent Philadelphia China trader. The service, hand-painted in the elaborate Fitzhugh pattern bears a central roundel with Richard’s  initials. Measuring 10 3/4″ in diameter, both with small lines sealed, one with a virtually indiscernible glaze bubble, otherwise very good condition, and very finely rendered. Discussed in Philadelphia and the China Trade. Circa 1820. 1,450.00 each.

A very refined Kangxi period famille verte saucer dish decorated in the Chinese taste with flowering branches and butterflies, calligraphy and a seal mark. Nicely potted, measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter and in good condition with only a 1/4″ rim line and very minute frits. Circa 1700.

A wonderfully rendered American eagle modeled from the Great Seal of the United States centers this charming Chinese export porcelain tea bowl made for the American market of the Federal period. The reverse side of the bowl is decorated with a blue and gold roundel  inscribed with the gilded monogram TAB-undoubtedly the patriotic first owner of this teaset who ordered it-as yest unidentified. There is a line sealed, but otherwise this nice piece of early Americana is in good condition. 3 1/2 in diameter.  Circa 1795-1800.

A very charming diminutive sized Chinese export porcelain footed cachepot and undertray, simply decorated in apple green enamel with gilding with a central roundel of floral decoration. Measuring 3″ high x 4″ in diameter, and in very good condition, a rare survivor with its original stand. Circa 1800.

Three elegant pairs of Chinese export porcelain, blanc- de- chine libation cups, two pair finely molded with classic Chinese images of deer, prunus and cranes after rhinoceros horn originals, one marked, a third pair raised upon a delicate foot with leaf and butterfly decoration. Measuring approximately 3 3/4″ x 2 1/2″ and in good condition, one pair with minor chips restored. 17th/18th century.

A really fine example of a Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain Provinces charger, decorated in famille verte enamels and gilding and centered with the Arms of Holland within an outer molded border of lotus petals with alternating figural vignettes and vases of flowers against a diapered ground. An interesting ‘East meets West’ contrast between the European armorial and Chinese design motifs. Measuring 12″ in diameter and in good condition with only two small rim lines to the reverse and the expected minor rim frits. These are very rare and desirable objects produced in a series with each set representing the arms of the various provinces of the Netherlands, as well as England, to commemorate their alliance against the powerful Louis XIV of France. Kangxi period, circa 1700-1720. Ex-Ann and Gordon Getty Collection.

An especially good pair of early Chinese export saucer dishes, molded to resemble lotus blossoms, each centered with an underglaze blue scene of a bird perched upon a rock next to exuberant  branches of flowering peony, an amusingly large insect, the size of the bird, flying overhead. Measuring 7 1/2″in diameter, and in very good condition considering their age with only glaze losses to the rims.  Wanli period-circa 1600.

An especially rare and very fine Chinese porcelain covered bowl, decorated in underglaze blue with landscape scenes, and most unusually, with biscuit figures in pairs around the exterior of the vessel, each grouping representing two of the eight Daoist Immortals with their attributes, the cover painted with peasants in a landscape, surmounted by a foo lion finial. This is really a remarkable tour-de-force of the potter’s art and a rare survivor-a similar example in the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, MA. Measuring 7″across x 7″ high, the piece is in rather good condition given its age and fragility; restoration to the biscuit figures as would be expected, and the foo lion finial a masterfully sculpted replacement of the original, the bowl and cover themselves in very good order. Circa 1625-1640.

A very sophisticated Chinese porcelain monochrome vase in a hard-to-find iron-rust mottled glaze flecked with silver giving the piece a lustrous finish. The baluster form vase of lovely, balanced proportions, and the flecked glaze with a very consistent overall coverage-surely no small feat in the kiln. Very good condition with only a very minor frit to the rim. Measuring 6″ tall and bearing an old Ralph Chait label on the bottom. Qianlong period, 1736-1796.

A fine Chinese export porcelain 8 1/2″ saucer dish, vibrantly decorated in famille verte enamels with a rather energetic design of a kylin on a fenced terrace with a phoenix flying overhead amongst swirling clouds. Prunus branches on the reverse rim, centered with an artemsia leaf. Small line to the rim and small chips to the foot rim, otherwise good condition with an exuberant design. Kangxi period, circa 1700.

A very fine and impressively sized Chinese export porcelain mazzarene, very well painted in famille rose enamels with a central courtly scene of figures on a terrace, the orange, sepia and gilt borders rendered with the same exacting detail and attention. Measuring 13″ x 16″ and in excellent condition. Jiaqing period, circa 1795.

A really finely painted pair of Chinese export porcelain molded and scalloped edge 8 3/4″ saucer dishes, decorated in famille verte enamels with  central scene of a kylin in a garden enclosure, a phoenix flying overhead, all within a wide border of alternating panels of floral decoration. Vibrant enamels throughout. Minor enamel loss to rim on the reverse filled, otherwise very good condition. Ex- Chait Galleries. Circa 1700-1710.

A very lovely and complete Chinese export porcelain five piece garniture set, decorated in famile rose enamels, molded with the design of a flowering pomegranate tree which grows about the surface of each piece, the beautifully modeled vases complementing each other’s shape. Each surmounted by its original cover with a gilded foo lion and measuring approximately 11″ tall. One open vase with a rim chip and the other with a sealed crack on the neck, one foo lion off and re- attached, and some very minor rim glaze losses, otherwise, considering their age and the precarious placement of these objects on chimney pieces over two and a half centuries, very good condition. Very decorative and so great to have a complete set. Circa 1740.

Once part of an even more dramatic five piece garniture set, this magnificent Chinese export porcelain Pronk  baluster form vase is decorated with botanical images of juicy currants against a striking black ground. Not only is the vase European-inspired in form, but the images are taken from prints  after watercolors by Dutch artist Sybille Merian and even the acanthus-bordered foot is after Western designs. Measuring an impressive 11 1/2″ tall and in good condition with the exception of retouch to enamel loss, especially on the black background. Circa 1745.

A very large and dramatic 14″ Chinese export porcelain lighthouse form coffee pot, decorated in famille rose enamels with flowering branches of peony and other exotic flowers and birds, the spout fashioned as a dragon’s head, the entire piece a conceit of color and whimsy that would have been appealing to the European market during the rococo period. Measuring 14″ x 11″ and in good condition with the exception of a short line to the rim restored and restoration to the spout. Circa 1750.

A very elegant pair of Chinese export porcelain saucer dishes decorated in famille rose enamels, each centered with a flowering tree of peonies (The Queen of the Flowers, symbol of wealth and nobility) within a beautifully painted border of lotus petals  (the symbol of purity). Some minor re-touch to the enamels, otherwise very good condition and measuring approximately 11 in diameter. Circa 1745.

A rather rare find for us, this attractive Chinese export porcelain reticulated undertray with blue diapered border, centered with a sunburst roundel, bears the family crest of JOHN ROSS of  Philadelphia. Ross was a very wealthy and prominent merchant and played an important role in the Revolution being by the Continental Congress to resource crucial war supplies and materiel for the Continental Army. To our knowledge most of the pieces from this service are in museum collections and seldom comes on the market.

A fine Chinese export porcelain punch bowl of impressive 16″ size and decorated in famille rose enamels with a rather unusual scene depicting a person of high rank, perhaps the Emperor, seated beneath a canopy, in a boat-shaped wagon with a dragon’s head prow, being drawn by attendants and accompanied by a mounted guard, all within a picturesque landscape-perhaps a great celebration such a Chinese New Year? An iron red enameled landscape centering the interior bottom of the piece. Three rim lines sealed, otherwise good condition. Circa 1750.

A fine Chinese export porcelain part tea and coffee service made for the American market, each piece decorated with an early version of the American eagle based upon the Great Seal of the United States, the eagle supporting a shield inscribed with the gilded initials of the original owner DHA, beneath a sunburst halo and stars. The set comprising a lighthouse form coffee pot, a drum teapot, a helmet form creamer, a slop bowl, a saucer dish, and four teabowls and saucers. Some slight re-touch to gilding and minor wear commensurate with age.  In the Federal period taste, circa 1800.

A very handsome Chinese export porcelain 13″ oval platter made for American market as it was part of an extensive service made for prominent Philadelphia merchant John Jacob Ridgway (1768-1843) who was American Consul to Antwerp in the early 19th century. Centered with an early version of the American eagle taken from the Great Seal of the United States, the platter has three lines and two chips restored, otherwise in good condition and displaying beautifully. Early 19th century.

A wonderful pair of Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period plates, decorated in the Chinese taste in the famille rose palette, with a scene of an official fording a river on a horse with his attendant, carrying another older man on his back, wades through the water, as a bemused fisherman watches the pair, a pavilion on the opposite bank. It is noted in The Choice of the Private Trader, that these “borderless” scenes where the illustration covers the entire surface of the plate, along with this combination of colors, are relatively rare and must represent limited commissions for this style of decoration. Measuring 9″ in diameter, one with a short line sealed, otherwise both in good condition. Circa 1735.

A beautiful Chinese export porcelain 9″ soup plate made for the English market, bearing the Arms of MILLS impaling WEBBER, centered with a quatrefoil reserve decorated with a scene of a European gentleman walking along the banks of a river, a walled and towered town on the opposite side, while the rim is decorated with two reserves featuring Western ships entering harbors, the rim top featuring the family’s crest of a lion rampant, the bottom centered with the arms. The use of the porcelain white space sets off the famille rose designs beautifully. Illustrated in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, page 325. This piece with a history of descent in the family of  Robert Treat Paine of Boston. Glaze line and very minor rim frit, otherwise quite fine condition. Another available to make a pair. Circa 1745.

A truly impressive pair of Chinese export porcelain Kangxi beaker vases, measuring 17 1/2″ tall and decorated in famille verte enamels with an elaborately scrolling lotus ground in iron red divided by bands dragons, one pursuing the flaming pearl of wisdom, another with dragons within quatrefoil reserves against a stippled green ground, both within ruyi-shaped lappet borders. In rather good condition for their age, one with a line across the base going a bit into the body, professionally sealed, but otherwise, no major damage or restorations. Circa 1700-1710.

A very good and very interesting example of Yongzheng period famille rose decoration, this octagonal 8 1/4″ plate features the very popular theme of cockerels in a landscape with the two yellow birds in this particular piece virtually one over the other in a very fore-shortened space bordered to one side by the strong vertical of a leafing tree trunk and a swaying over-sized peony all within a shaped outer border of flowering prunus and peony branches against cell-work diapered ground. All in rich, thick enamels, proud of the surface. Very good condition, a great, fun, vibrant design. Circa 1730-1735.

A fine Chinese export porcelain plate decorated with a central Mandarin scene of figures on a terrace within an unusual border of small white blossoms against deep overglaze blue ground, the reverse with a rare gilded monogram of the original owner. Seldom were the services inscribed on the reverse as this example was. Measuring 8″ in diameter and in very good condition. Circa 1820.

A charming Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period teapot and cream jug, lavishly decorated in famille rose enamels, with roundels depicting a garden stool and table with a a profusion of peony blossoms, beneath which reclines a white kitten, all against a densely worked ground with a variety of meticulously rendered diapering and scrolling foliate decoration, the cover as richly enameled and surmounted by a gilded foo lion. A very small area on the teapot possibly re-painted with line sealed beneath, otherwise very good condition and superb decoration. The teapot 5″ tall x 6 1/2″, the cream jug 3 1/4″ x 3 3/4″. Priced as a set. Circa 1735.

large and impressive Chinese export porcelain oval warming dish, finely hand-painted in the sepia Fitzhugh pattern and bearing a central roundel with the initials RRT for Richard Renshaw Thomson (1799-1824). Thomson was the son of a prominent Philadelphia China trader, Edward Thomson, serving as an agent on his father’s behalf, as well as American consul in Canton. Several services for this family exist and they are discussed in Philadelphia and the China Trade, pages 152-153. Accompanying this fine dish is a cover from one of those other services bearing the initials of a Richard’s brother, John Renshaw Thomson, who also served in Canton as consul, appointed by President Monroe. Both pieces are  in very good condition with only slight wear. Measuring 11 1/4″ x 16″.

A lovely pair of Chinese export porcelain soup plates decorated in famille rose enamels, centered with a scene of a pair of quail beneath branches of flowering prunus, peony and chrysanthemum, the rim painted with further flowering branches and bamboo in biano sopra bianco. Measuring 9″ in diameter and in good condition with the exception of two chips to the reverse of one plate which does not detract from its presentation. Circa 1735.

A very fine Chinese export Yongzheng period porcelain charger of impressive size, measuring 15″ in diameter, and wonderfully decorated in famille rose enamels, centered with a pair of horses in a landscape beneath the feathery branches of a willow tree, the outer border with lavishly enameled flowering branches of peony and chrysanthemum. Beautiful enameling and quality typical of this Yongzheng period. Good condition. 15″ in diameter. Circa 1735.

These wonderful Chinese export porcelain Kangxi plates have the fine potting, brilliant glaze and vibrant cobalt blue decoration for which this period is so well known. The unusual design is a veritable riot of flowers with a central roundel of flowering plants within a densely packed border of blossoms, the motif continuing around the rim with a profusion of buds, blossoms and leaves. Measuring 9 1/2″ in diameter, described in Dutch VOC inventories as a “Double Plate”. One with a line to the reverse, sealed, and very, very minor rim roughness as can be expected, but otherwise in very good condition. Circa 1690. $650.00 each.

A beautiful Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period plate, decorated with famille verte enamels with a central scene of a scholar in his studio pondering through his window a courtly lady walking below in a terraced garden. He is poised with pen and paper; perhaps her beauty is distracting his work, or, inspiring it? All within a vibrant foliate border. Measuring 9″ in diameter and in very good condition. Circa 1700-1720. $1,480.00

A fine Chinese export porcelain Transitional period garlic necked vase of unusually large size, decorated in underglaze blue with scenes of scholars and their attendants within a landscape. Measuring an impressive 16 1/2″ tall, and in remarkably good condition. Circa 1640.

A fine pair of Chinese export porcelain barbed edge plates, elaborately decorated in famille rose enamels with a central shaped medallion of peony and prunus against a swirling foliate blue ground, the cavetto with a ring of lotus, and the shaped rim repeating  the peony and lotus motif again against a blue ground. All richly enameled, “proud” of the surface. Illustrated in Williamson’s book on superlative examples of early famille rose.Very good condition, measuring 9″ in diameter, and dating to circa 1735-1745.

A wonderful example of Chinese export porcelain for the American market, this highly decorative Sepia Fitzhugh 16″ oval platter is magnificently handpainted and centered with the initials for Richard Renshaw Thomson (1799-1824) who was both agent for his father’s Philadelphia trading company, as well as American consul in Canton. Measuring 11″ x 16″ and in excellent condition. Circa 1820-24.

A very handsome late Yongzheng/early Qianlong period Chinese export porcelain Dutch armorial dinner plate centered with the Arms of De Jonge, finely enameled and gilded, within a cavetto border and rim decoration of meticulously painted underglaze blue floral designs. Peony blossoms and butterflies are scattered about the rim on the reverse. The arms were borne by Cornelis de Jonge (1687-1743), a VOC official in Bengal, and also by his son Dr. Christian de Jonge (1730-1790). Measuring 9″ in diameter, and in good condition with the exception of a small rim line sealed. Circa 1735-1740. Illustrated in Kroes’ Chinese Armorial Porcelain for the Dutch Market, page 198.