A very fine Chinese export porcelain covered cider jug with double strap handle, decorated in famille rose enamels with courtly Mandarin scenes below a richly and elaborately decorated border, the same motifs repeated on the cover and surmounted by a foo lion finial, all with gilded details. One scene appears to present an elegant lady with her attendants upon a terrace about to depart on a journey with her luggage and weary bearer, and a wheel chair ready for her, while the other scene represents  another terrace view with a flurry of activity surrounding the arrival (or departure?) of a mounted messenger bearing a letter of some obvious importance in his hand. With an imposing presence, measuring  11 1/2″ tall and 9 1/2″ wide, this beautifully hand-painted piece has two small lines to the body and one to the spout, all sealed, and the foo lion finial appears to have had some small restoration as well, otherwise,  in remarkably fine condition with bright, vibrant enamels. Circa 1820. $2,900.00