An impressively sized Chinese export porcelain mug hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with a large finely detailed  central vignette with an expansive boating scene depicting two very distinct versions of life along the river – to the left is a lavish nobleman’s or high official’s boat bedecked with lanterns and flags, so large with it’s rich pavilion that only half the vessel is fit into the scene, and on the opposite shore, one gets a glimpse of a more humble vessel with its occupants doing their wash on the riverbank and hanging their laundry to dry on bamboo poles.  On the reverse side is another cartouche with a sepia riverscape scene, both cartouches in reserve against a splendid scrolling gilded ground with smaller floral panels.  A great glimpse of the Chinese lives of the ‘haves and the have-nots’ two and a half centuries ago – how much has changed, and how much has remained the same.  Measuring 5 1/2″ tall x 4 7/8″ in diameter with only restoration to the handle, otherwise good condition with fine painting.  Circa 1770s.