E-Newsletter Sign Up

Copyright 2020 Polly Latham Asian Art
All Rights Reserved

Very Rare Yellow Fitzhugh Soup Plate #7705 SOLD

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.

 

 

 

 

YongzhengArmorial Plate #7699c

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.

 

 

Yongzheng Famille Rose Tea Bowl #7603c

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whimsical Qianlong Foo Lion Teapot #7687 Sold

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Yongzheng Armorial Soup Plate #7697c

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.

 

 

 

 

Kangxi Reticulated Double Wall Teapot #7685 SOLD

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.

 

 

 

 

Great Demon Hunter Figure #7667c Sold

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miniature European/American Market Cream Jug 7688c SOLD

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.

 

 

 

 

Very Rare “Miracle at Zaandam” Tea Bowl and Saucer #7678 sold

A very rare and unusual, to say the least, Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer decorated with images from the “Miracle at Zaandam” a highly publicized and sensational event that occurred in the Netherlands in 1647.  As the story goes, a young man flying a kite in a field attracted and agitated a bull who then charged and attacked a farmer; the pregnant farmer’s wife went to the aid of her husband and the bull turned on the woman flipping her through the air – the trauma of which caused her to give birth in mid-air, the moment in the story illustrated here. Why this is called the “miracle” at Zaandam is hard to understand as both parents died on the spot and the flying baby survived nine months and then joined them. But, the event was still being remembered around a century later when this tea set was special-ordered, both tea bowl and saucer inscribed on the reverse August 29, 1647.  Illustrated and discussed in many publications including Hervouet and Bruneau’s La Porcelaine des Compagnies des Indes a Decor Occidentale pages 380-381.  2 cm. line sealed to the rim of the saucer, otherwise, it’s in “miraculous” condition. Circa 1745.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pair of Jiaqing Period Crane Figures #7667 SOLD

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.

 

 

 

 

Early Yongzheng Large Cockerel Saucer #7671 SOLD

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.

 

 

 

French Armorial Teapot with Louisiana Connection #7664 SOLD

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.

 

 

 

American Market Vaughan/Hallowell Cup and Saucer #7660 SOLD

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.

 

 

 

Best Quality Yongzheng Cockerel Saucers #7660c Sold

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.

 

 

 

 

Elegant Kangxi Rose Water Sprinkler #7665 SOLD

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yongzheng Saucer in the Chinese Taste #7662c sold

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.

 

 

 

Pair of Jiaqing Mandarin Ducks #7661 SOLD

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.

 

 

 

Great Yongzheng Armorial Charger #7670 Sold

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.

 

Pair of Kangxi Molded Dishes #7620 SOLD

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.

 

 

 

 

Yongzheng Tea Bowl and Saucer #7668 Sold

A beautiful Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng tea bowl and saucer, finely potted and hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with a lotus flower reserve against a blue diapered ground, each lotus petal decorated with a different flower, the motif carried onto the tea bowl. Exhibiting all the refinement and elegance of the Yongzheng period, in very good condition with only the most minute rim frits filled, the saucer measuring 4 1/4″ in diameter and dating to circa 1730-1735.

 

 

 

 

 

Teniers European Scene Saucer #7662c Sold

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.

 

 

Rare Pronk Designed Handled Cup #7666c

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Rare THOMAS JEFFERSON Covered Vegetable Dish #7631 SOLD

A remarkable piece of Presidential China Trade porcelain, this wonderfully shaped ring-handled covered vegetable dish bears a shield with the gilded initial J for Thomas Jefferson surmounted by a knight’s helmet.  From a service ordered for Jefferson and with a history of descent in the Coolidge branch of his family. Early 19th century.

 

 

 

 

Impressive Pair of Qianlong Figural Candleholders #7658

A very beautiful pair of Chinese export porcelain Qianlong period figural candleholders of impressive 16″ size, modeled as a pair of court ladies each holding a vase which serves as the candleholder.  Decorated in Famille Rose enamels with exquisitely detailed robes and mounted upon a pair of gilded stands.  Figures, especially of this size are rare compared to other export wares as they were expensive and difficult to produce and costly to ship; they were highly valued in their day as they are today.  Qianlong period, mid-18th century.

 

Rare American Market MANIGAULT Plates #7627 sold

A fine pair of Chinese export porcelain plates decorated in the Sepia Fitzhugh pattern and with an American/ Southern connection.  From a service made for Gabriel Henry Manigault (1789-1834) of South Carolina. Each plate centered with a monogrammed roundel with Latin inscription and surmounted by a Native American crest.  The motto translated means “It is better to anticipate rather than avenge”.  The service is one of two ordered by Henry’s brother Charles Izard Manigault who was in the Far East between 1817 and 1823. Illustrated and discussed in Schiffer’s China for America, pages 56 and 61.  Some restoration.  Circa 1820.

 

 

 

Very Impressive PAIR of 20″ Mandarin Platters SOLD

Making a very grand statement, this impressive pair of Chinese export porcelain 20″ Mandarin platters would be a dramatic addition to any collection.  Beautifully hand-painted in vibrant Famille Rose enamels with what appears to be an image from silk production with tables of ladies working in a courtyard with a master overlooking their labors all within a finely rendered sepia floral border.  Very good condition with only a small chip on the rim to one of them, Circa 1810-1820.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early Dutch Armorial Charger #7648 SOLD

A great example of early special order China Trade porcelain, this fine Kangxi period 14″ charger is brilliantly painted in underglaze blue in a classic Chinese style with a central bird-on-a-rock design and lotus and scrollwork decoration with the exception that it has a Dutch armorial inserted at the top. The rather loosely interpreted arms are those of PELGROM and are attributed to Jacob Pelgrom (1655-1713) who was a French Huguenot who fled to the Netherlands in 1688 and then on to the Dutch East Indies where he worked his way up the bureaucracy at the VOC eventually becoming Director of Begal by the time of his death. A beautiful piece of Kangxi porcelain with a very early European connection.  Illustrated and discussed in Kroes’  Chinese Armorial Porcelain for the Dutch Market, page 108. Very good condition, circa 1700-1710.

 

 

 

 

American Market Ship Tea Caddy #7628 SOLD

A fine Chinese export porcelain dome shouldered tea caddy made for the American market decorated with a three-masted ship, its sails furled, flying two American flags beneath a gilded monogram, almost certainly from a special order tea service commissioned by a ship’s captain or supercargo. Minor restoration to the neck  of the piece, otherwise good condition.  Circa 1800.

 

 

‘Folly Fort’ Reticulated Oval Dish #7656 SOLD

An 18th century reticulated dish hand-painted with a central scene of the Dutch ‘Folly Fort’ which was one of the first sights China Traders saw as they were heading up the Pearl River towards their anchorage at Whampoa and finally, after many months, Canton.  Truly, a snapshot back into the time of the early China Trade.  Measuring 9″ in diameter, late 18th/early 19th century.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unusually Decorated Scottish Armorial Cup and Saucer #7640 SOLD

A rather unusually decorated Chinese export porcelain handled cup and saucer made for a Scottish family, bearing the central crest of the Arms of Morison.  What makes it so interesting is that it is decorated rather more in the Chinese taste, the saucer with a bird-filled landscape, the theme continuing on the handled cup – which is after European forms of the period.  David Howard’s Volume II of Chinese Armorial Porcelain identifies it as being most likely ordered for James Morison (1738-1816) for Naughton House which he was building at the end of the 18th century.  Good condition with minor enamel wear. Jiaqing period, circa 1815.

 

 

 

 

 

Rhode Island/American Market HOPE Teawares #7643 SOLD

A charming and great example of Chinese export porcelain made for the American market, this fine drum teapot and tea bowl and saucer  are each centered with a fine rendering of Hope leaning upon her anchor.  Almost certainly made for the American/Rhode Island market where so much of the success of the new state’s economy depended upon shipping and where the emblem of an anchor – a symbol of Hope – still is born upon the state’s seal. This symbol of Hope as a beautiful maiden resting upon an anchor appears regularly through the Federal period in imagery such as needlework. In very good condition. Circa 1795.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rare Pronk Tea Pot Stand #7644 Sold

A fine and rare example of the work of Cornelius Pronk, a Dutch artist commissioned by the Dutch East India Company to prepare designs to be executed on Chinese export porcelain for the company – one of the rare examples of a known European artist/design source for China Trade porcelain. This is one of his most elegant designs – centered with a lavender plume against a finely diapered grisaille and yellow ground. There are relatively few examples of this pattern as it is believed to have been produced in one tea service only as the lavender enamel proved so difficult to fire. Measuring 5 1/4″ across, this hexagonal, scalloped form stand is in good condition and dates to circa 1736. Discussed in Howard’s China for the West, Vol. I, page 302. Ex-collection of Charles Perry, Atlanta, Georgia.

 

American Market Tea Bowl and Saucer #7641 SOLD

A rather enigmatic Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer, made for the American Market decorated with a military commander on horseback with an attendant, both in quasi-18th century uniforms, the attendant bearing an American flag. What is so puzzling is that the general (often said to be Washington) has a decidedly Chinese look about him with a wispy moustache and goatee. There has been much speculation when and why this piece, almost certainly part of a larger service, was made. Perhaps for the Centennial celebrations? Either way it is represented in some major museum collections and attribution of a date varies from the mid-19th century to early 20th.  In very good condition.

 

 

 

Fine Merian Botanical Plate #7646 SOLD

A beautiful hand-painted Chinese export porcelain plate made almost certainly for the Dutch Market with a central spray of richly enameled exotic flowers, butterflies, and caterpillars all within a cobalt blue and gilded cavetto and rimmed with an extravagant baroque border of scrolling acanthus and flowerheads. One of the few examples where we can attribute a Chinese export porcelain design to a European artist, in this case Maria Sybille Merian of the Netherlands (1646-1717). She remarkably traveled extensively in the Dutch West Indies when it was not a very comfortable or hospitable time for women to do so, making insect and botanical studies which were eventually published upon her return home.  The design of this plate taken from one such engraving. A beautiful object and fascinating piece of history from the great age of exploration.  Measuring 9″ in diameter and in very good condition.  Illustrated and discussed in David  Howard’s Choice of the Private Trader, page 78.  Circa 1735.

 

 

 

 

Superb Matched Pair of Mandarin Cachepots #7645 SOLD

A great opportunity to have a matched pair of Chinese export porcelain 8″ hexagonal cachepots with undertrays, vibrantly decorated with a continuous courtly Mandarin scene, richly enameled and detailed, each flared pot resting in a conforming footed stand with swirling dragon-decorated rim and floral and butterfly borders. Rare to have a matched pair with undertrays, especially in such a good size with such interesting decoration.  Very good condition with only re-touch to a few small spots of enamel loss.  Circa 1820.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Large Dutch-Decorated Chinese Export Milk Jug #7637 SOLD

An over-sized Chinese export porcelain covered cream jug hand-decorated with wonderful exotic birds perched amongst the branches of a budding tree.  Measuring 6 3/4″ this cream jug (or possibly hot-water pot?) was decorated in China with the underglaze blue diapered borders and then the  pot was shipped blank to the Netherlands where Dutch decorators could finish it with designs to their customers’ liking. This piece in very good condition and with its cover with its original silver chain, is in the same pattern as a charming teapot we also have, also Item #7637.  Circa 1750. Priced individually.

 

 

 

 

Pair of Blanc-de-Chine Libation Cups #7077 SOLD

A pair of nicely molded Chinese porcelain libation cups modeled in the form of classic rhinoceros horn cups, molded with images of prunus, dragons, deer and tigers. Each measuring approximately 2 1/4″ x 4″ and in good condition.  Dating to the late 17th/early 18th century one, remarkably, is inscribed at the base.

 

 

 

 

 

Elegant Pair of Blanc-de-Chine Lotus Libation Cups #7076 SOLD

A fine pair of Chinese export porcelain blanc-de-chine libation cups, each modeled in the form of a lotus blossom (the symbol of purity) with butterflies and insects, both raised upon a scalloped base, the underside centered with the base of the stem of the blossom.  Measuring 2 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ and in good condition; one with a firing line to the wall of the cup.  18th century.

 

 

 

Philadelphia/American Market Rodney Fisher Platter #7642c SOLD

A finely hand-painted Chinese export porcelain Sepia Fitzhugh oval platter with a central medallion bearing the initials RF  from a dinner service made for Rodney Fisher (1798-1863) of Philadelphia. Fisher was from one of the oldest families in Philadelphia, his direct ancestor having come to Pennsylvania with William Penn 1682. He was a prominent Philadelphia merchant and served as unofficial United States consul in Canton from 1825-1827 – presumably when this service was ordered.  This is one of several American Market services made around this time in this color Fitzhugh pattern – all exemplifying this extraordinarily detailed decoration.  Measuring 8 3/4″ x 11 1/2″ and in good condition.  Fisher’s life detailed in Philadelphians and the China Trade, page 185.

 

 

 

Rare Exotic Dutch – Decorated Teapot #7637 SOLD

A very charming Chinese export teapot decorated in underglaze blue with diapered bands bordering a central design of two exotic birds perched on the branches of an expansive budding tree.  The birds a rather unusual mix resembling cockatoos, yet colorfully plumed as parrots in an attempt no doubt to create an ‘exotic’ scene’  for the Dutch market.  The underglaze blue diapered borders were most probably done in China and then the piece was shipped to the Netherlands where it decorated and fired in the overglaze design we enjoy here. The colors and scene as delightful as the day they were painted. Measuring 5 1/2″ x 7″ and in very good condition. Mid-18th century.

 

 

 

 

18th Century Mandarin Teapot #7635 SOLD

An especially interesting Chinese export porcelain 18th century teapot hand-painted with convivial Mandarin scenes within gilded cartouches in reserve against a black diapered ground alternating with puce landscape vignettes, this motif continued on to the cover which is topped with a gilded crown knop.  Also, rather unusual is spout and handle meticulously painted with a red and black diapered pattern.  Measuring 5″ x 8″, in very good condition, and dating to 1770-1780.

 

 

 

 

 

Rare Pronk Plume Spoon Tray #7636 SOLD

A rather rare Chinese export porcelain scalloped edge spoon tray decorated with a lavender plume design against a yellow diapered ground. This rather European baroque motif is attributed to Cornelius Pronk, a Dutch artist who was employed by the Dutch East India Company to produce designs for export porcelain.  His small group of concepts produced in Chinese export – and even interpreted onto Japanese wares as well – are much sought after by collectors as they represent some of the few designs by known European artists for Chinese porcelain. This striking color combination is also rather rare as these colors were difficult (and costly) to produce.  The 5″ x 3 1/2″ tray is in very good condition and bears the collection sticker of Antoine LeBel.  Circa 1736.

 

 

 

New York/American Market HONE Sepia Platter #7632 SOLD

A great Chinese export porcelain 12″ oval platter made for the American market, specifically for a successful citizen of New York City, is finely hand-painted in sepia enamel in the Fitzhugh pattern and centered with a central rondel bearing the initial H.  From a service ordered for John Hone (1764-1832) who, as the son of a German immigrant carpenter, exemplified the American dream, raising a family of sixteen children and rising through New York society in the early 19th century with the fortune from an an auction company he started as well as being the first president of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company and was Mayor of New York during Lafayette’s triumphant return visit to the city in 1825. In addition to the early New York provenance, this is simply a brilliant example of the Fitzhugh pattern.  Illustrated and discussed in New York and the China Trade, p. 116. Very good condition. Circa 1825.

 

 

 

American Market Eagle Tea Pot #7584 SOLD

A handsome bombe form Chinese export porcelain teapot hand-decorated with an image of an American eagle clutching a group of arrows, a halo of seventeen gilded stars about his head and surmounted by the original owners’ monogram JMC, the cover and shoulder of the pot decorated with a classical gilded grapevine border. The service was owned by John and Margaret Christian of Reading, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, John (1786-1869) having emigrated to Philadelphia in 1808.  The pot after silver forms of the period and in good condition with only a small X-form crack to the base barely visible, minor wear to the gilding, and the inside of the collar with small restoration to the edge where the cover rests – not visible when the cover is in place.  Measuring 10″ x 6″, the eagle certainly one of the more unique versions the the Great Seal of the United States used upon export wares for the American market at this time.  Circa 1810-1820.

 

 

 

 

 

American Neoclassical Swag Decorated Teapot # 7568 SOLD

A handsome Chinese export porcelain drum teapot with strap handles, from a service made for the American market, decorated with a rich orange and gilded neoclassical style swag border and centered with a sepia landscape roundel surmounted by the original owner’s initials RB. This is the third example of this service that we know of and the other two were made for identifiable American families, so this must have  been a popular pattern at the time in the latest neoclassical taste. Very good condition.  Circa 1800. Very good condition with only slight wear to the gilding.

 

 

 

 

CHEW Family of Philadelphia Pots-de-Cremes #7443

Three charming Chinese export porcelain pots-de-cremes from a service ordered by Benjamin Chew of Philadelphia for use by his family at their country estate Cliveden which still stands today, each piece decorated with a gilded C within a starburst roundel.  Benjamin Chew (1722-1810) trained as a lawyer in London before returning to Philadelphia around 1736 where he embarked upon a long and prosperous career holding various posts before and during the American revolution including Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Discussed and illustrated in Philadelphians and the China Trade, pages 44-52.  One cup with a line from the rim, the other two cups in good condition, the covers with restorations. Late 18th century.

 

 

 

 

Mandarin “Menagerie” Cup and Saucer #7621 SOLD

A charming Chinese export porcelain handled cup and saucer finely painted in Famille Rose enamels with a lone Mandarin scholar sitting on a rock in a rolling landscape featuring horses and pigs and piglets amongst palm trees, as well as a central roundel featuring two deer along a riverbank with two crabs in the water.  Certainly one of the more unusual Mandarin subjects we’ve seen on porcelain of this period.  The saucer measuring 6″ in diameter and the cup 2 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ – the form after English handled cups of the period.  Circa 1810-1820.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pair of Mahout Plates #7629 Sold

Two fine examples of Chinese export porcelain made for the Indian market, this pair of scalloped edge 9 1/2″ plates is hand painted in Famille Rose enamels with a nicely detailed central image of an Indian Mahout and his elephant, all surrounded by a border of bianco-sopra-bianco  floral decoration overlaid with individual flowerheads. There’s a long tradition of this sort of densely rendered overall decoration in Indian decorative arts and so both the subject and border would certainly have had an appeal to the Indian market. One plate possibly with a line sealed to the reverse, otherwise very good condition with no signs of heavy wear. Last quarter of the 18th century.