New Acquisitions Archives - Polly Latham Asian Art

#7887cd Rare Form & Rare American Service: CABOT-PERKINS Family

A very rare form from a rather rare American Market dinner service, this beautiful Chinese export porcelain reticulated fruit basket is centrally-decorated with an image of the Chinese Pagoda at Whampoa surrounded by floral motifs borrowed from the classic Fitzhugh pattern. It is from a service ordered to celebrate the wedding of Samuel Cabot, Jr. of Boston (1784-1863) to Eliza Perkins of Philadelphia in 1812. The image of the Pagoda an appropriate design alluding to Cabot’s China Trade connections as he entered the business 1817 and retired in 1838 one of the wealthiest merchants in New England. The basket design most likely after English forms of the period and a remarkable survivor; measuring 9 1/2″ in diameter x 3 1/8″ tall and in good condition with no substantial damage, the only minor losses and minor restoration appearing to be around the rim of the piece. The service mentioned and a piece illustrated in Schiffer’s China for America, page 192 (although they seem to incorrectly name Miss Perkins’ groom as Dr. Samuel Cabot who was born in 1815!) . The reverse with an Elinor Gordon collection sticker as well as a Met Museum reference label. $9,500.00

#7852 American Market Eagle Tea Canister SOLD

A great example of Chinese export porcelain made for the American Market, this dome-shouldered tea canister is delicately hand-painted on one side with an image of an early version of The Great Seal of the United States with a spread eagle bearing an E Pluribus Unum banner in its beak beneath a radiating halo of gilded stars. Part of a special-order tea service ordered in the early years of our Republic as a sign of patriotism and pride. The reverse side with an oval inscribed with the original owners’ gilded monogram. 5 1/2″ x 3 1/4″. Very good condition. Circa 1800.

#7783cd Pair of Very Fine Palaceware Plates

An especially fine pair of Chinese export porcelain Palaceware-patterned soup plates each with painstakingly hand-painted gilt lattice borders with reserves of sepia landscapes surrounding central scenes depicting calligrapher Wang Xizhi on his garden terrace seated at his desk receiving the gift of a goose from an admirer of his work. Considered one of China’s ‘Four Greatest Calligraphers’, this 4th century artist was said to have been fond of having geese around him as he based his brushwork and wrist techniques on the movements of birds’ necks, hence the subject of the scene on these plates. It is remarkable that centuries later, this legend would be used to decorate a very fine quality dinner service intended for the western market where the story would be completely lost on the diners enjoying their meals! Measuring 9 3/4″ in diameter, the enamels vibrant, the detail remarkable -note the scholars’ objects on his desk – and in very good condition. Circa 1795-1810. $2,250.00 each.

#7882 Pair of Elegant Palaceware Soup Plates

An especially fine pair of Chinese export porcelain Palaceware -patterned soup plates each with painstakingly hand-painted gilt lattice borders with reserves of sepia landscapes surrounding central scenes depicting calligrapher Wang Xizhi on his garden terrace seated at his desk receiving the gift of a goose from an admirer of his work. Considered one of China’s ‘Four Greatest Calligraphers’, this 4th century artist was said to have been fond of having geese around him as he based his brushwork and wrist techniques on the movements of birds’ necks, hence the subject of the scene on these plates. It is remarkable that centuries later, this legend would be used to decorate a very fine quality dinner service intended for the western market where the story would be completely lost on the diners enjoying their meal! Measuring 9 3/4″ in diameter, the enamels vibrant, the detail remarkable -note the scholars’ objects on his desk – and in very good condition. Circa 1795-1810. $2,350.00 each.

Fine Pronk “The Doctor’s Visit” Plate #7363

An wonderful example of Chinese export porcelain made after designs by Dutch artist Cornelius Pronk, this one rendered in rich Famille Rose enamels with a scene entitled The Doctor’s Visit within a border of fish vignettes and images of waterfowl. One of a small group of designs commissioned by the Dutch East India Company from Pronk – why they thought it was necessary to have Chinese designs drawn by a Dutch artist to be made by Chinese potters and then returned to the Netherlands is still a matter of speculation. Either way, this is a fine example, the quality exemplified by carrying the enameled lattice pattern over to the reverse side of the plate – a understated extra detail that would have added to the cost of the piece. A couple of minor chips to the footrim, otherwise very good condition. 10″ Illustrated and discussed in Howard and Ayers’ The Choice of the Private Trader, page 74. Circa 1740. $4,200.00

Grisaille ‘Quaker & Cow’ Design Tea Bowls #7840 1 Sold

Two very finely rendered Chinese export porcelain tea bowls made for the American market with a Philadelphia connection. Both hand-painted en grisaille with this well-known scene of a farmer and a cow in a tree-bordered field, a goat resting beneath one of the trees. Purportedly after an original drawing by a member of the Hollingsworth-Morris family of Philadelphia. With one of the family members being in the China Trade, the design was taken to China and rendered on several different special order tea sets for the family – this one being the earliest version. Illustrated and discussed in Schiffer’s China for America, pages 172-173. Measuring 3 1/2″ in diameter and 2″ high. One tea bowl with a short rim line sealed, the other with a short rim line and a longer one into the bowl, both sealed, otherwise good condition with painting so fine it resembles an engraving. Early 19th century.

$1100. each

Mandarin Armorial “Arms of Waterhouse” Plate

A very finely enameled Chinese export porcelain 8″ plate made for the English market, centered with a courtly scene of Mandarin figures on a terrace, all within amazingly detailed border rich in color and detail with riverscapes and village views amongst the mountains. Bearing the crest of the Waterhouse family of Yorkshire. Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, vol. I, page 787. Circa 1805.

Very Fine Condition Masonic Coffee Pot #7839bg

A very handsome Chinese export porcelain lighthouse form coffeepot in really great condition decorated with an insignia for the Order of Freemasons. Almost certainly from a complete bespoke tea and coffee service which would have all the pieces decorated with these Masonic emblems. The Freemasons was a semi-secret fraternal society especially popular in England and America in the 18th and early 19th centuries and these symbols appear on silver, ceramic, and glass objects of the period as a source of pride in being members of the society. Measuring 10″ x 8 1/2″ and in fantastic condition with a Suchow & Siegel provenance. Circa 1790-1810.

CHEW of Philadelphia # 7827cs (Hold)

An elegant 7 3/4″ Chinese export porcelain plate from one of several services made for the very wealthy and prominent Chew family of Philadelphia, this particular service centered with a roundel bearing the initial C within a gilded eight-pointed star and refined gilded spearhead and lattice work borders – typical of the spare aesthetic of the Federal period. The Chew family country house, Cliveden is now part of the National Trust of Historic Preservation. Illustrated in Schiffer’s China for America, page 29. Ex- Phil Dubey Collection. $2,200.00.

Rare Form like the Nanking Cargo ‘Feeder’ Cup’ #7830

A rare form and a remarkable story adds to the interest of this Chinese export porcelain ‘Feeder’ Cup decorated in underglaze blue with images of lotus, rockwork, and willow. Made to feed broth the sick or infirm, this piece may have been part of the great Nanking Cargo that left China with a load of porcelain in 1750, but was sunk in the South China Seas by a storm. The wreck and it’s contents were salvaged in the 1980s and its contents were sold by Christies in an historic auction. This piece is in very good condition with only rim chips and frits filled by its previous owners, the noted dealers Matthew and Elizabeth Sharpe. Measuring 5 1/8″ across including the spout, and 2 3/8″ tall. $975.00

Presidential Service Ulysses S. Grant Plate #7820

An especially fine example of Chinese export porcelain made for the American market, this 8″ Rose Medallion plate is from a special order service made for U.S. Civil War General and later President, Ulysses S. Grant. Hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels in the classic Rose Medallion design with reserves of courtly Mandarin figures alternating with vignettes of birds, flowers, and butterflies against a tightly packed gilded ground with scrolling vines, all centered with a roundel bearing the monogram USG within a laurel crown. The extensive service ordered by Mrs. Grant from China trade merchant Daniel Ammen (whose service also remains extant) and presumably used in the White House during the Grant administration. With a chip to the rim on the reverse and a piece out of the rim restored, otherwise a finely rendered monogram and colorfully enameled pattern from a Presidential service. Illustrated and discussed in Schiffer’s China for America, page 83. $7,500.00.

Fine Pair Coffee Cans and Saucers #7822D 1 Sold

A very attractive pair of Chinese export porcelain cans and saucers, decorated in Famille Rose enamels with rich, gilded ground borders of fruits and flowers and butterflies all surrounding central scenes detailing courtly Mandarin life, the cans similarly painted. Part once of what must have been a very elaborate tea and coffee service. The cans measuring 2 3/8″ tall, the saucers 5 1/2″ in diameter. Dating to circa 1810, each priced individually at $52500.

18th Century Mandarin Tea Pot and Creamer #7823

A very richly decorated Chinese export porcelain tea pot and covered creamer, each painstakingly decorated with Mandarin scenes and landscape cartouches against tightly rendered grounds of gilded scrolling vines. The teapot with a scene of everyday life with a detailed interior view opening out onto a garden terrace where the family’s boys are rough-housing on the lawn. the creamer with a larger view of courtly people taking their leisure on a terrace overlooking a water view with a town on a distant shore. The teapot measuring 5 1/4″ x 7″ and with a faint star-crack to the interior of the cover and some loss the gilding on the handle and spout as can be expected, otherwise in good condition, exhibiting some fine painting. The creamer, also in good condition, measuring 5 1/4″ tall. $1475.00

SARGENT Armorial Saucer #7807

A very fine example of Chinese export armorial porcelain made for the American market, this charming 5 1/2″ saucer bears the shield-shaped Arms of Sargent, and was most likely part of a tea service made for Ignatius Sargent (1765-1821) of Gloucester, Massachusetts. There is a bookplate engraved with these family arms and that is the most likely source for the design. Two faint short lines to the reverse of the rim and re-touch to the lettering in the motto, but otherwise a fine condition. Illustrated in Schiffer’s China for America, p. 50, and examples can be found in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the U.S. State Dept. The last of several pieces of this rare service in our collection. $1,500.00.

Famille Verte Foo Lion #7802

An exuberantly charming Chinese porcelain figure of a recumbent Foo Lion, heavily potted and finely modeled and detailed in lustrous brown glaze with Famille Verte highlights. Traditionally the symbol of guardianship, but with that happy face he doesn’t appear too threatening! But foo lions are also a symbol of success and prosperity which is more fitting for the joyful personality of this character. With only two small losses to two of his ‘canine teeth’, otherwise in remarkably fine condition and resting upon a handsome hardwood carved base. Measuring 4 1/2″ x 7 1/4″ without the base. Late 19th century. $2,600.00

PAIR of Mandarin Tureens & Platters #7789

A fine pair Chinese export porcelain bombe form covered tureens along with a pair of matching platters, all hand-painted with a roundels of mothers playing with their children on a garden terrace and edged with borders of a continuous landscape featuring deer, goats, exotic birds, and butterflies as well as a pair of swirling dragons pursuing the flaming pearl, along with a frolicking border of koi fish symbolizing wealth and success, all accented by richly gilded details on the handles, knops and borders. The tureens measuring 13″ x 11″ and the platters 13″ x 11 1/2″ and all in very good condition with only very minor wear to the gilding and enamels. Beautiful and impressive forms for any collection. Circa 1820. Priced separately – a tureen and platter together for $3,800.00

platter $3,800.00 for the two pieces.

PAIR of Kangxi Period Teapots #7788

A fantastic pair of Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period footed teapots, hand-painted in underglaze blue and of unusual paneled and dome shaped-form, each panel decorated with peonies and rockwork, the motif continuing onto the covers, along with swirling clouds on the handles and spouts. The form likely based upon Chinese wine pots of the period. Each pot measuring 7″ x 5 1/2″. One pot with restoration to the knop, and a chip filled on the spout and neck, otherwise remarkably good condition; the other pot also in good condition with no apparent restoration. Several small glaze losses to the handles of both – commensurate with age and to be expected on Kangxi pieces. Circa 1690. The best pair of Kangxi period we’ve ever enjoyed having. Circa 1690.

Qianlong Canton Enamel Tea Pot

Absolutely remarkable in its detail, this exquisite quatrefoil form Chinese export Canton enamel teapot is delicately hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels, every surface finely rendered with complex scrolling floral designs incorporating the much-revered peony, panels of this pattern are framed on each lobe of the body with further gilded foliate scrollwork; the cover, neck, shoulder and spout also with swirling patterns in pinks and soft blues, the handle rendered in a ‘cracked ice’ design. One’s eye gets lost in the intricacies of the craftsmanship. Measuring 7″ tall by 5″ wide and with restoration to the base and arch of the handle, otherwise very good condition for a piece of this age and delicacy. Qianlong period, mid-late 18th century. $1,450.00

Fine Kangxi Famille Verte Charger #7277

An especially beautiful Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period charger decorated in Famille Verte enamels, centered with an elegantly rendered deer within a landscape, beneath a pine, a crane flying overhead and with the outer border also painted with flying cranes as well. The crane, deer, pine, bamboo and odd little scrolled plant called a ruyi all being auspicious symbols imparting messages for wealth, nobility, success, longevity in marriage, long-lasting love and loyalty, endurance, power and good fortune that would have been apparent to the Chinese painter of this piece, but surely would have been lost on the European consumer who acquired the piece. Either way, positively packed with auspicious energy, a very fine piece, the vibrantly enameled figures standing out against the white porcelain ground. Measuring 15″ in diameter and with only a line to the reverse sealed, otherwise, very good condition. Circa 1700-1720. $3,600.00

Yongzheng Famille Rose Covered Jug #7792

A fine Chinese export porcelain covered jug hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with lotus petal-shaped panels around the lower body with contrasting pastel shades of cellwork below a richly decorated and detailed collar of scrolling peonies, the same motifs repeated on the cover. The Famille Rose palette was a relatively new creation at this time and we can see here how quickly and expertly the Yongzheng painters mastered these new rich colors. Measuring 4 1/4″ tall with restoration to the cover and small areas of re-touch to the cellwork panels, otherwise, a jewel of a piece. Circa 1735. $1,050.00

Yongzheng Period Koi Decorated Plate #7459

A fine Chinese export porcelain plate decorated in Famille Rose enamels with images of koi swimming about the center within a cavetto with a very elaborate gilded scrolling border, the outer rim with riverscape vignettes alternating with with gilded branches of peony-all exquisitely rendered as one expects to find during this period of superb porcelain production. The koi is a symbol of abundance, luck, wealth, and power, and also conjugal harmony and happiness as they are believed to mate for life. Measuring 9″ in diameter with a line to the rim into the cavetto, otherwise very good condition. Circa 1730-1735. $1150.00

‘Vase of Flowers’ Yongzheng Tea Bowl & Saucer

A brilliantly enameled Chinese export eggshell porcelain Famille Rose tea bowl and saucer hand-painted with an exuberant bouquet of flowers overwhelming a small blue footed vase, edged with a pink diapered border with small floral reserves, the vase centering the tea bowl as well, flanked by the large blooms spilling out and around the bowl. The design most likely taken from the profuse Dutch still lifes of the late 17th century. The saucer measuring 4 1/2″ in diameter, the tea bowl 3″ in diameter, very minute rim frits filled, otherwise both in very good condition. Yongzheng period, circa 1730. $2800.

Yongzheng Swedish Armorial Plate #7756c

A fine example of Chinese export porcelain made for the Swedish market, this pleasingly enameled and gilded plate is centered with a large coat of arms with coronet crest encircled by a light green prunus cavetto, the border with large branches of gilded peony. The arms are those of Baron Daniel Niklas Von Hopken (1699-1741) a Swedish Secretary of State and investor in the Swedish East India Company (which explains his ability to access such luxurious porcelain). This is a beautifully colorful plate with a pleasing balance of white space to set off the enamels and gilding – all of which are in remarkably intact condition. Measuring just shy of 10″ in diameter, with a rim restoration, otherwise a beautiful example. Circa 1730-1735. Ex-Nelson Kline Collection. $2000.

Large Qianlong Period Barber’s Bowl #7770

A large Chinese export porcelain Qianlong period barber’s bowl hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with a classic image of flowering peony (the symbol of wealth and nobility) amongst fence and rockwork, the floral theme continued around the rim. The foot rim pierced for hanging on the wall when these pieces weren’t in use. Measuring 11 1/2″ x 14″ with only two small chips to the rim, otherwise good condition. Mid-18th century. $1,200.00.

American Market Ship Teawares #7786 Cup/saucer, teapot sold Pitcher still available

A fine grouping of Chinese export porcelain teawares made for the American market, each bearing a hand-painted image of a ship under sail bearing a blue ground flag decorated with gilded stars. This flag, first authorized for use in 1777, was called a ‘Jack Flag’ and was flown to indicate to other ships that a diplomat was onboard. This flag was actually used by United States vessels until the early 20th century; the three pieces here a great bit of early American maritime history. The strap-handled drum teapot with leechee nut knop measuring 6 1/2″ tall x 9 1/2″ wide and with restoration to the spout at the base, otherwise good condition with a fine ship image ($1,550.00). The tea bowl measuring 3 1/2″ in diameter and with a line to the rim, the saucer measuring 5 1/2″ in diameter with a small rim line sealed ($850.00) and the sparrow-beak milk jug measuring 4 5/8″ tall and in good condition ($750.00). Illustrated and discussed in Chinese Export Porcelain in the Reeves Collection at Washington and Lee University, page 212. Circa 1800. Cup/saucer; teapot are sold.

River Boating Scene Mug: ‘The Haves and the Have-Nots’ #7774c

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.

“Flower Gods’ Plates #7780 (4 of 8 SOLD)

A charming pair of Chinese export porcelain 8″ plates vibrantly rendered in Famille Rose enamels with images of the Twelve Flower Gods each posed in a garden landscape of rockwork with blossoming trees and each holding their attributes of individual blossoms, the plates centered with a floral roundel and detailed with gilded edges. Also represented is a figure of Zhong Kui the ‘Vanquisher of Ghosts and Evil Beings’. The Twelve Flower Gods are male and female gods and goddesses each representing a different month of the year and its corresponding flowers. These plates must have always been treasured for their charming decoration as their is very little, if any evidence of wear to the enamels. Measuring 8″ in diameter and dating to circa 1820. $900.00 the pair.

Unusually Large 18th Century Mandarin Tea Canister #7773c

An impressively sized and richly decorated Chinese export porcelain covered tea canister, or jar, of unusual diamond-shaped form, hand-painted with four panels of Mandarin figural scenes of families at leisurely pursuits in their gardens, the concaved neck with vignettes of birds amongst branches in reserve against a finely detailed iron red diapered ground, the motif continued on to the cover, all surmounted by a foo lion finial. Measuring an impressive 16 1/2″ tall x 9″ wide and of an unusual diamond-shaped form which gives the piece a substantial presence and allows for two scenes to be viewed at once. With some minor restoration along the edge of the corner of the cover and the corner of the mouth of the vase and a faint interior line, otherwise very good condition. Qianlong period, circa 1770-1780. A rare form. $4,500.00

Beautiful Large 16″ Rockefeller Platter #7746

A wonderful large Chinese export porcelain ‘Rockefeller Pattern’ oval platter displaying all the richness and attention to detail for which these wares are known, featuring a very finely hand-painted scene – as good a quality as any screen, or scroll painting – featuring a family boating party having pulled their craft ashore and enjoying a picnic beneath a tree. A wonderful view of family life two centuries ago, all set within a puce diapered border with with bird and iron red landscape vignettes and the rim border with further landscapes in reserve against a rich and elaborately scrolling gilded border. The attention to detail and the many specialized skills it took to create this variety of decoration was why this was one of the most expensive special order services available at the time. Evidence of some restoration to the upper left rim on the reverse, other than that good condition. Measuring 16″ x 13 1/2″ and dating to circa 1795. $8,500.00

Elegant Trio of Famille Rose Garniture Vases #7742

A charming set of three Chinese export porcelain 7 1/2″ tall garniture vases hand-painted in underglaze blue and overglaze Famille Rose enamels with baskets of flowers within floral bordered medallions. Reflecting the refinement of the 18th century, dating to circa 1770-1780 and in good condition, other than possible frits filled along the mouth of each vase. Bright, cheerful enamels. $350.00 each.

Pair of Tobacco Leaf Plates #7737

A great pair of Chinese export porcelain scalloped edge plates hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels in the classic Tobacco Leaf pattern, each with a lavish profusion of flowers and foliage and gilded highlights. Measuring 9″ in diameter both with some slight stacking wear; one with a faint glaze line to the rim on the reverse, the one with two short faint hairlines to the rim on the reverse, otherwise good condition. Circa 1760-1770.

Pair of Hand-Painted Chinese Wallpaper Panels #7513

A charming pair of Chinese export wallpaper panels hand-painted with detailed scenes of daily life – one depicting what appears to be a family woodland outing, the other showing two scholars at a table in a garden with attendants carrying in all manner of exotic potted plants – the ubiquitous “ladies in a window” looking on. Each panel restored at some point in their history and mounted upon a canvas backing and stretcher. Needless to say wear and small restorations and re-touches commensurate with the age of the pieces, but wonderful detail, as captivating as they were over two centuries ago when they were painted. 51″ x 46″. Late 18th/early 19th century. $2,500.00 each.

A CULTURE REVEALED: Kangxi Era Chinese Porcelain from the Jie Rui Tang Collection

We are pleased to offer this great new book about Kangxi era porcelain entitled A Culture Revealed”: Kangxi Era Chinese Porcelain from the Jie Rui Tang Collection. Written by Jeffrey P. Stamen, Cynthia Volk with Yibin Ni, this lavishly illustrated volume focuses on selections from the Jie Rui Tang Collection of Kangxi porcelain formed with care and dedication over the past thirty-five years. A hundred-twenty-five superb examples invite discussion and appreciation for the aesthetic appeal, technical merit and enriching subject matter unique to the period. Pieces are described in both the aesthetic and historical context as well as having narrative scenes deciphered, many of which were previously unidentified or misidentified. Just a totally engrossing book for anyone interested in this very rich period in porcelain production. Privately published and only available through select dealers. Price $120.00