New Acquisitions Archives - Polly Latham Asian Art

Rare Reticulated Famille Rose Plate #7235

An unusual form, this Chinese export porcelain plate has a wonderful border of openwork interlocking rings, decorated with a mottled effect most likely intended to resemble tortoiseshell. This fine piece is then centered with a beautifully enameled famille rose image of lush flowering peonies and chrysanthemums with a very exotic butterfly. Measuring 8 3/8″ in diameter and in very good condition. An example of similar form in the collections of the Rijksmuseum in the Imari palette which they attribute to the first quarter of the 18th century, this famille rose example circa 1740-1745. (condition – no restoration … the staining on the reverse is original to the piece and likely occurred in the firing process_) $1,875.00

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

Charming Pair of Cat Figures #7842

A charming matched of pair of Chinese export porcelain cat figures with freely painted black spots, intense green eyes and inquisitive smiles. Measuring 6 1/2″ tall x 4 1/2″ wide and in very good condition. Dating to the late 19th/early 20th century – a happy presence for any collection! $975.00 the pair.

Grisaille ‘Quaker & Cow’ Design Tea Bowls #7840 Hold

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.

Superlative Grisaille Marriage Plate #7841 Sold

An extraordinarily fine Chinese export porcelain ‘Marriage’ plate, meticulously hand-painted en grisaille with a lavishly detailed wedding scene taking place within a grand architectural setting with pillars supporting a classical dome, the attendees appearing to be mostly classical nymphs and tritons, all within a finely gilded Meissen-style border. Illustrated and discussed in Howard & Ayers’ book China for the West, p. 394 as well as Howard’s The Choice of the Private Trader p. 82 where it is explained that this design was only made for about ten known services, each service having its own family coat-of arms incorporated into the design, and all the identified arms being Dutch. Obviously a treasured piece given its remarkable condition with virtually no wear to either the gilding or the grisaille rendering. Measuring 9″ in diameter – all known examples being plates. Circa 1740.

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.

RARE Size 9 3/4″ Mandarin Punch Bowl SOLD

A rather rare Chinese export porcelain Mandarin punch in an unusual 9 3/4″ size, brilliantly hand painted in Famille Rose enamels with very detailed scenes of courtly life with images of the great and the good taking their leisure in lush gardens and rich interiors and borders of smaller figural vignettes and floral bands on gilded ground. One more often sees this kind of painting reserved for grand pieces – 18″-20″ punch bowls, but here the same attention is spent upon this jewel of a piece. In superb condition. Dating to circa 1800-1810. The only one we’ve had in over thirty-years.

English Market Armorial Mug #7816 Sold)

A charming Chinese export porcelain 4″ mug brightly decorated in Famille Rose enamels with either the Arms of Wickstead or Hodge and baskets of flowers on either side. Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. II, page 296; this mug is the same one featured by David Howard and is from the great armorial Weld Collection. With two lines sealed and rim chip filled. Circa 1760. $675.

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.

Pair of Kangxi 10 1/2″ Dishes #7824 Sold

A very handsome pair of Chinese export molded 10 1/2″ dishes, painted in underglaze blue with a large styled lotus design with a central roundel with a courtly figural scene of a gentleman helping a lady over a small footbridge beneath a willow tree, surrounded by lotus petal form panels each filled with a profusion of flowering peony branches. Both 10 1/2″ dishes in very good condition, one with only very minor rim roughness filled. Dating to circa 1690. Always great to have a pair. $2,750.00.

Yongzheng Famille Rose Cockerel Tea Pot #7817 Sold

A charming Yongzheng period Chinese export porcelain tea pot hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with classic images of roosters amongst rockwork and peonies, the tea pot itself modeled as a lotus with a ribbed ‘petal’ lower body supported upon a base of delicate stems, buds, and leaves, the ribbed petal motif continued on the cover as well. Measuring 4 1/2″ tall x 6 ” wide. Some restoration to part of the base and edge of the cover, otherwise, in good condition, a fine early piece, circa 1735.

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

Pair of Kangxi Elephant Handled Vases #7800

A very beautiful pair of Chinese export porcelain vases, the bodies molded into lotus leaf-shaped panels and hand painted with branches of flowering peonies and the elongated necks each mounted with elephant head bisque handles with hanging rings and the bottoms with classic artemesia leaf marks. Measuring 11″ tall and in very good condition with only a short line to the body of one vase sealed. Dating to circa 1690 – a remarkable form and rare survivor. $5,800.00

Raspberry Fitzhugh Plate #7811 Sold

A strikingly beautiful Chinese export porcelain Raspberry FitzHugh plate, the classic pattern here hand-painted in a deep raspberry enamel with gilded highlights including a scrolling leaf cavetto border and a very finely rendered central roundel featuring a landscape with a horse drawn cart and driver. Measuring 9 3/4″ in diameter and in remarkably fine condition. One of the rarest and most sought-after of the FitzHugh patterns. Early 19th century. $4,800.00

RARE PORTUGUESE MARKET SHIP PLATE #7803 Sold

A rare example of Chinese export porcelain specifically made for the Portuguese market, this 10″plate plate is well-painted with a central detailed image of a Portuguese merchant ship named the BRILLIANTE, within cavetto and rim borders of a double keyfret design in a bright blue enamel. The ship flies a flag inscribed MAS for its owner Miguel Alva Sousa of Macau and the service was most likely used onboard the ship. Discussed and illustrated in Howard & Ayers’ book China for the West, Vol. I, page 228. With only two very minor short lines to the reverse sealed and minor enamel abrasion, otherwise very good condition. Circa 1825.

A similar plate from this service sold at Christies on January 20, 2021, Lot 13 for $30,000.00, ours more moderately priced at $5,000.00

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.

Rare Black FitzHugh 6″ Plate Sold

One of the rarer colors in the FitzHugh palette, this very finely hand-painted 6″ plate is rendered all in black and is almost certainly from a special order service as it bears a central monogram, inscribed ASC. The grisaille draftsmanship of the peony and ‘antique objects’ design virtually resembles a pen and ink drawing. With only a short line to the reverse rim sealed, this charming piece is in otherwise great condition – a great addition to any FitzHugh collection. Early 19th century.

Rare and Unusual GOLD FitzHugh Plate #7812 Sold

One of several rare colored FitzHugh patterned plates that we have acquired from a private collection, the famous pattern is here rendered in gold enamel producing a very rich and elegant effect with this finely detailed design. This must have obviously been an expensive service to produce and most likely a one-off special order as we have handled very few examples of this colorway over the years. Measuring 9 1/2″ in diameter and with only two short 1/4″ lines to the reverse rim sealed. First half of the 19th century.

Beautiful Sepia and Green Fitzhugh Plate #7808 Sold

An especially attractive and unusual Chinese export porcelain FitzHugh patterned plate hand-painted in two colors of enamel – sepia and green. The popular FitzHugh pattern was produced over the years in a variety of colors and in usually just a single color. This plate is part a small group where they experimented with using two colors and, as is apparent, to a really striking effect. Not very common and highly collectible, the intricate hand-rendered pattern is only accented more by the colors used here. Measuring 9 1/2″ in diameter and in very good condition. First quarter of the 19th century. $3,500.00

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

RARE Yellow FitzHugh Soup Plate #7810 Sold

A Chinese export porcelain soup plate hand-painted in the classic FitzHugh pattern in a rare yellow enamel. This popular pattern went through a range of colors from the late 18th century into the 19th century and among the various versions yellow is among the rarest, most likely because it is one of the most difficult (and therefore expensive) colors to fire successfully in the kiln. It has also special meaning to the Chinese who associate it with the emperor. That all said, it is just a vibrantly attractive object! This example measures 9″ in diameter and has an L-shaped line that runs across the rim into the cavetto and across the base to the foot rim, as well as a second line to the rim and partially into the cavetto, and two very short rim lines – all professionally sealed. 1st half of the 19th century.

American Market Eagle Hot Water Dish #7793 Sold

A very handsome Chinese export porcelain American market hot water dish hand-painted in the rich Orange FitzHugh pattern and centered with a large spread eagle based upon an early version of the Great Seal of the United States bearing an E Pluribus Unum banner in its beak. From a service made for Robert Stockton of New Jersey (1766-1828). he was a son of a signer of the Declaration of Independence and was himself a Representative to the U.S. Congress and later, a Senator. Measuring approximately 101/4″ in diameter and with only a small chip to the spout restored and very minor re-touch to the enamels, otherwise brilliant condition. Circa 1820). $6,800.00

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

Black FitzHugh Sauce Tureen #7799 Sold

A desirable form in an especially rare color pattern, this charming Chinese export porcelain sauce tureen is hand-painted in the rare Black FitzHugh pattern. This popular design is said to have been first ordered in blue by an English sea captain named FitzHugh in the last quarter of the 18th century. This intricately rendered pattern which combines Chinese peonies and antique objects proved so popular that it was produced over the following decades in a range of colors, some far rarer than others as if the case here with this version pattern rendered in black. Measuring 7 1/4″ wide x 6 1/4″ tall, the piece in overall good condition with the exception of a small chip out of the foliate knop. Circa 1800-1810.

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 Cockerel & Peony Tea Bowl & Saucer #7763 Sold

A charming Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer dating from the Yongzheng period and hand-painted in the relatively new Famille Rose palette of enamels being perfected at just about this time, featuring a classic theme of a cockerel (symbol of strength and punctuality) on rockwork with branches of peony (revered as the symbol of wealth and nobility) all within a leaf-shaped reserve against a light blue diapered ground, the rim with cellwork borders with reserves of peony – all the motifs continuing on the matching saucer. The saucer with what appears to be a small piece out of the rim, very professionally restored. The saucer measuring 4 1/2″ in diameter, the tea bowl 2 3/4″ and in perfect condition. Circa 1730. Coming to the Nelson Kline Collection from the Chinese Porcelain Company.

Chew of Philadelphia Tea Bowl & Saucer #7796 Sold

A striking yellow-ground tea bowl and saucer from a service made for the very prominent Chew family of Philadelphia, decorated with classical style artefacts and figures in profile, all in the highly fashionable Greek-Revival style of the very early 19th century. It is very unusual to have a yellow ground as it was a difficult and costly thing to fire in the kiln. The Chews were a very wealthy China-trading family and their Philadelphia home and Germantown country house, Cliveden, were decorated in the latest and most stylish fashions. Illustrated and discussed in The Philadelphians and the China Trade, page 48. The saucer 5 1/2″ in diameter, the tea bowl 3 3/8″. Both in ‘as found’ condition with hairlines, otherwise good condition and rare decoration. Circa 1805.

PAIR OF ‘RED ROVER’ SHIP’S CHINA #7798

A rare pair of Chinese export porcelain Orange FitzHugh patterned shaped oval serving dishes from a special-ordered service made for the ship(s) RED ROVER. Each with the elaborately painted FitzHugh borders and centered with a roundel inscribed Red Rover. The conundrum being that, to our knowledge, there were three 19th century clipper ships named the Red Rover! The first one being English, built in 1829, with the dubious honor of being the fastest ship in the opium trade running between Calcutta, India and Lintin, China. The second ship, Red Rover, was American, built in 1852 for the California trade and broke records running between New York and San Francisco in 120 days. And the third Red Rover was a Union Army hospital ship stationed in the Mississippi River above New Orleans in the Civil War. Either way, two very attractive artefacts from the great age of sail in the 19th century. Measuring 8 /12″ x 10″, one with a minor line to the foot rim, but other than some slight stacking wear, both in fine condition. Second quarter of the 19th century. $1,450.00 the pair.

American Market – Philadelphia Waterworks #7707

A Chinese export porcelain 6 1/4″ plate made for the American Market hand-painted in overglaze blue with gilded details with a central roundel depicting an image of the Fairmount Waterworks (also known as the Philadelphia Waterworks) encircled with diapered and spearhead borders on the rim. In the early years of the American republic patterns such as these were commissioned as sources of pride in our new nation and its engineering and architectural accomplishments. Most often we see examples of this sort of thing in English transfer-printed wares, but here we have a rare example in Chinese export porcelain, and rarer still, rendered in an overglaze blue, the image taken from an engraving of the period. Other than some minor wear to the gilding this piece is in very good condition and dating to circa 1800. $3,200.00

Fantastical Pair of Kangxi Dragon Libation Cups #7791 Sold

What color, exuberance, and symbolism in such small, personal objects! This pair of Chinese porcelain Kangxi period libation cups are finely modeled and decorated with dragon figures and designs with both the handle and the spout of each cup supported by a pair of dragons set against a detailed ground of Famille Verte enamel colors. The dragon symbolizes great power, strength, authority, and good luck with special powers over water, typhoons, rainfall, and floods. Measuring 4 1/2″ wide by 2″ tall and in remarkably good condition with only small rim frits and chips and a line to the edge of one lip, otherwise the detailed handles and dragon figures have survived the centuries unscathed. Kangxi period, circa 1700. $1,950.00 each, although they look better as a pair.

Rare Form Kangxi Pair of Spice Boxes #7790 Sold

A rare pair of Chinese export porcelain octagonal footed spice boxes, hand-painted in Famille Verte enamels with images of flowering lotus, almost certainly modeled after European silver forms of the period, even attempting to recreate the mask handles one sees on silver of this period. In addition another unusual feature is the interior of both boxes both with three spice compartments which we have not seen before. These would have been truly novel and luxurious items to adorn one’s table with at the end of 17th century. Measuring 3 1/4″ tall by 5″ long and 3 1/2″ wide. One box with evidence of an interior rim restoration, otherwise both pieces in very good condition and great examples of the decorative cultural exchange between Europe and China at this period. Circa 1700. Priced individually at $1,950.00 each.

Pair of Green Fitzhugh Soup Plates

A vibrantly enameled pair of Chinese export porcelain 10″ soup plates, hand-painted in emerald green in the classic FitzHugh pattern. Measuring 10″ in diameter and in good condition with only slight re-touch to stacking wear. Circa 1820. $750.00/pair.

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

Mountain Form Scholar’s Brush Rest #7795 sold

A Chinese export porcelain turquoise-glazed brush rest in the form of a stylized range of five mountains resting upon an openwork floral base centered with a moth which was considered a bearer of messages from departed loved ones. An object of utility and contemplation for the scholar’s desk, measuring 3 1/2″ x 5″ and in good condition with only a small chip to one peak. Late 19th/early 20th century. $150.00

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

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.

LYMAN of Massachusetts #7737 Sold

A charming Chinese export porcelain reticulated plate from a service made for Theodore and Lydia Lyman of Massachusetts, with a central ermine mantle-and-shield decoration bearing their gilded initials TLL, the rim with a hand-cut reticulated border edged with a floral and foliate rose band of decoration. Born in York, Maine, Theodore (1753-1839) moved to Boston and successfully established himself in the shipping business, expanding his business to the Northwest fur trade and on to China, and prospering to enough to retire and commission Samuel McIntyre of Salem to design and build a grand Federal style country seat outside Boston called The Vale. The house still stands to this day and is an Historic New England Property. Examples of this service are in the collections of both the Peabody Essex Museum and Historic New England. Measuring 7 1/2″ in diameter and in very good condition. Circa 1786. And with many thanks to Ched and Sandy Cluthe for sharing their usual thorough research. $1,800.00

“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

Yongzheng English Market Armorial Cup & Saucer #7766c SOLD

A finely painted and thinly potted Chinese export porcelain coffee cup and saucer from the Yongzheng period made for the English market, from a bespoke service bearing the Arms of Hesketh of Lancashire. Decorated with a central lobed roundel with a grisaille vase holding gilded peonies surrounded by four reserves – three with more finely detailed floral decoration en grisaille, the top reserve with the Hesketh arms and crest, all against the most minutely rendered Y-shaped gilded diapering, the handled cup continuing the motifs with quatrefoil reserves with the arms and floral designs against a gilded diapered ground. The 4 1/2″ saucer with minute rim frits and two glaze lines sealed to the reverse, the 2 1/2″ tall cup in good condition, both with very faint wear to the grisaille in places. Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, page 257. A wonderful survivor from circa 1733. From the Nelson Kline Collection, acquired from Henry Moog of Atlanta.