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Best Quality Kangxi Period Pair of Lobed Dishes

The long reign of the Emperor Kangxi (1661-1722) is associated with, among other cultural achievements, the production of some truly fine blue and white porcelain, and these two lobed dishes represent some of the quality that denotes this period. Characterized by a fine white porcelain hand-decorated with brilliant cobalt blue designs under a fine clear glaze.  Here we have an octagonal central scene with a classic Chinese landscape within a lobed border of smaller landscape scenes alternating with images of flowering branches. The form almost certainly inspired by European silver forms of the mid-17th century. The dishes measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter, the reverse even decorated with images representing flowers of the four seasons, centered with a simple mark resembling a stamped seal. One dish with a firing line to the reverse and two extremely minor rim frits, otherwise very good condition. Circa 1690s. $2,600.00 the pair.

 

Pair of Kangxi Period Biscuit Figures #7854

A fine pair of Chinese Kangxi period biscuit porcelain figures, representing two Immortals seated on hexagonal form plinths each detailed with hand-painted Famille Verte and Jaune enamels. Measuring 6 1/2″ tall with very minor losses, otherwise a great form  example from the period –  and always nice to have a pair. Ex-James E. Sowell Collection.  Later 17th century.  $1,950.00 the pair.

 

Rockefeller Provenance Dutch Armorial Charger #7854

A handsome Chinese export porcelain 12″ charger made for the Dutch market bearing the Arms of Van Idzinger, part of a once very extensive service ordered from a member of the Van Idzinger family working for the Dutch East India Company (of which there were several). Part of the service was acquired by New York Governor and ardent collector, Nelson Rockefeller and was purportedly used by the family for their ‘everyday’ dishes! Illustrated and extensively discussed in Jochem Kroe’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain for the Dutch Market, page 482-483.  Measuring 11″ in diameter, very good condition, and dating to circa 1790s. Ex-Elinor Gordon Collection. Circa 1785-1795.

 

Rare American Market ‘Founding Father’ Armorial #7867

A rare and attractive Chinese export porcelain saucer dish hand-painted with the central Arms of Boudinot from a service made for Philadelphia lawyer Elias Boudinot (1740-1821).  Boudinot was not only a lawyer (attending Princeton), but also a statesman, early abolitionist, and advocate for women’s rights. During the Revolutionary War he was an intelligence officer and prisoner-of-war commissary under General George Washington. The dinner service was gifted to him by the Continental Congress in recognition of his service as President of the Congress in 1782, the same year he was the signatory of the Preliminary Articles of the Peace Treaty with England, i.e. the Treaty of Paris. After the war he was elected to three terms in Congress and in 1795 he became Director of the United States Mint.

It was not especially popular to use heraldic devices to demonstrate social standing before the American Revolution, so it is very unusual to order a service decorated with the family coats-of-arms after the War. Measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter and other than some very minor rim frits it is in very good condition. Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol II, page 684, as well as Schiffer’s China in America, page 51, as well as there being an example in the collections of the U.S. State department. Circa 1785 – 1795. $5500.

And with much appreciation to Ched & Sandy Cluthe for sharing their thorough and brilliant research with us. 

 

  

Crowninshield of Salem Sauce Tureen & Stand #7865

We are fortunate enough to have this fine Chinese export porcelain sauce tureen and undertray from a bespoke dinner service made for the American market, each piece bearing a central shield with gilded initials GC for George Crowninshield of Salem, Massachusetts and edged with an overglaze blue enameled grapevine border with gilded detail, the design most likely after English patterns of the period. The Crowninshields’ importance to Salem cannot be overstated, they owned one of the three major wharves in the port city and they helped turn it into one of the major trading centers of New England and America’s new republic and in the they process became enormously wealthy. George Crowninshield  (1733-1815) founded Crowninshield & Sons shipping business, one son later served as Secretary of the Navy, another was a Congressman, and a third, George Jr. built and sailed America’s first yacht, christened Cleopatra’s Barge across the Atlantic. The oval undertray measuring 8″, the tureen 7 1/2″ and the height of both 6 1/2″. In good condition,                    circa 1800.

 

Pair of RARE Gold Fitzhugh Plates #7865

An extraordinarily rare pair of Chinese export porcelain in Gold Fitzhugh dinner plates. The classic pattern originating around 1785 and proving so popular that it was created in various colorways into the 19th century. These two plates must have come from a commissioned one-off special order service with the intricate pattern hand-painted in gold, possibly ordered by a Captain Duke, of the ship Pilgrim, circa 1805.  Measuring 9 1/2″ in diameter and in very good condition.

 

Impressive 19″ Platter/RARE American Market CABOT-PERKINS Family #4468

A very impressive 19″oval platter from a rather rare American Market dinner service, this beautiful Chinese export porcelain oval platter 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. A real statement piece, measuring 19″ x 16″ and in very good condition.  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!).  An example of this service represented in the Metropolitan Museum collections.  Price upon request.

 

Rare Pair of Kangxi Chinese ‘Shoe’ Brush Washers #7790

A rather rare, and quite charming, pair of Chinese Kangxi period porcelain brush washers modeled in the form of a pair of shoes for use in the scholar’s studio.  At first glance a whimsical conceit, but as with most Chinese objects, symbolic in nature as shoes come in pairs they are the symbol of conjugal harmony as they come in pairs. Young brides-to-be often embroidered pairs of shoes as gifts to their future husbands as wedding gifts, wrought with auspicious images. These fine examples measuring 4″ long and in very good condition, dating to the later 17th century, Kangxi period. $2,800.00 the pair.

 

Elegant Chinese Export Garniture Vases

 

Two truly elegant Chinese export porcelain garniture vases, one of beaker form, the other of covered baluster form, both hand-painted with over glaze blue imagery of vases of flowers, butterflies, fruits, and floral sprigs with gilded detail within reserves set against a finely detailed basket weave ground. Both reflecting the refined taste and spare decoration so popular in Federal period America at the time. The beaker measuring 10″ tall, the baluster vase 11″ tall, both in very good condition and dating to circa 1790-1800.

 

 

Yongzheng Famille Rose Part Tea Set #7800

A very elegant Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng Period teapot with its original hexagonal-shaped stand along with a handled cup all en suite, hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels (developed during this period) with a cockerel and peony design. The cockerel symbolic of both strength and punctuality (as it crows everyday at sunrise) and the peony which is revered as a symbol of beauty and wealth and nobility. The teapot 4 1/2″ tall, the  stand 4 3/4″ across, and the cup 2 1/4″ tall; all pieces in good condition with a great provenance of the Nelson Kline Collection and Santos of London.  Circa 1730.   $4,800.00

 

 

American Ship Mug #7807 Sold

A fine Chinese export porcelain strap-handled mug made for the American market with a hand-painted image of a three-masted ship flying a large American flag, the rim edged with a sepia and gilded grapevine border. Measuring 5″ tall and in good condition with only wear and fading to the delicate rigging.  An excellent record of the American republic’s early maritime history. Circa 1790-1805.

 

 

Very Fine Kangxi Dragon Jar with Chenghua mark #7881

An especially fine Chinese porcelain Kangxi period covered jar, hand-painted in the Chinese taste in underglaze blue with a pair of three-clawed dragons grasping at lotus sprays amongst a background of ruyi clouds, flames, and two of the ‘Eight Treasures’ – the double cash coins and an artemesia leaf. The base is inscribed with an apocryphal Chenghua horizontal six-character mark. In Chinese mythology Quilong is the dragon, associated with the sky and powerful enough to control the rain. The coins symbolize wealth and the artemesia leaf good luck and prevention against disease. Measuring 6 1/2″, in remarkably good condition considering its age, and topped with a finely carved wood cover.  Circa 1662-1722. $3600.

 

 

 

 

Kangxi Libation Cup #7844

A fine Chinese porcelain Kangxi period blanc-de-chine libation cup, well-molded with images a deer, a flying crane, pine, prunus, and two dragons – appropriate symbols for a libation cup in order to toast prosperity, longevity, good fortune and endurance.  Of substantial size for one of these cups, measuring 3″ tall x 5 1/2″ wide at its flaring shaped mouth.  In good condition with only a chip to one of the dragon’s chins, otherwise a fine form in beautiful soft white porcelain. Later Kangxi period 1690s-1720.  $1275.00

 

American Ship Mug #7808 SOLD

A wonderful example of Chinese export made for the American market, this 4 1/2″ tall strap-handled mug or tankard is very well painted with a nicely detailed three-masted ship bearing two American flags.  A great record of the pride taken in our young nation’s commercial maritime ventures.  In very good condition with only a very small line at the top of one of the straps on the handle. Circa 1800.  $2200.00

 

Pair Of Superlative Kangxi Plates

An especially fine pair of Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain plates, hand-painted in a brilliant and deep underglaze blue with a the central lotus blossom with a lotus form medallion against a diapered blue ground all within a lotus border with a shaped rim.  This lotus form appears to be after stylized Indian images with their scrolling leaves and alludes to the cultural design exchanges brought about by the China trade.  Measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter and just a brilliant example of Kangxi potting, glaze, and decoration from a period that created outstanding blue and white wares.  Very good condition, Circa 1690s. $2,250.00.

 

Pair of Winthrop Family Sauce Boats #7879 1 Sold

A very elegant pair of Chinese export porcelain strap-handled sauceboats made for the American market, each bearing a family crest of a small hare and with the gilded letter W just under the lip of each sauceboat.  From a service made for the Winthrop family of Boston – one of New England’s oldest families with ancestor John Winthrop having arrived on the Mayflower and setting up the Massachusetts Bay Colony and becoming its first governor in 1620. In addition to their pedigree, these sauceboats wonderfully represent the connections of the China Trade – the delicate floral sprig pattern most likely originating in late 18th century France when it was ‘adopted’ by various English porcelain factories such as Minton, the pattern then being reproduced on Chinese porcelain for a special order service for a Boston family whose ancestors emigrated from England…quite a circle!  One in very good condition $1,050.00, the second with a line sealed $775.00.  A piece from this service illustrated in Schiffer’s China for America, and an example in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

 

American Market ‘Cow Pox’ Tea Bowl & Saucer #7871 SOLD

A fascinating bit of early America’s medical history as commemorated with a Chinese export tea bowl and saucer, from a special order service made for Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse (1754-1856) a professor at Harvard University and an early advocate of the cowpox vaccine as a preventative measure against smallpox.  He had his own children vaccinated and to celebrate his success with the vaccine he ordered a tea set from Canton to further promote the procedure, here depicting an image of a cow from which the vaccine was developed. Discussed in Schiffer’s China for America, page 174. The tea bowl, in good condition and measuring 3 1/2″ in diameter, the 5 1/2″ saucer, restored.  Early 1800s.  $1,250.00

 

Fine Mandarin Cider Jug #7785

A handsome and richly enameled Chinese export porcelain strap-handled cider jug hand-painted with a continuous courtly Mandarin scene running around its body depicting a nobleman or high official holding court and receiving guests, seated before a grand screen while an attendant brings in bowls of rice. Measuring 11″ tall and with some restoration. Circa 1810-1820.  $1,650.00

 

Large American Market Tankard #7872

A very handsome and substantially portioned Chinese export porcelain tankard or mug with a well-rendered ‘country house’ landscape within an oval medallion decoration along with blue and gilt cornflower swags in the neoclassical taste.  Most likely the design depicting one of the grand country estates along the Delaware River.  Measuring 6 1/4″ tall and in very good condition. Circa 1800.  $1,650.00

 

 

 

English Subject ‘School Children Tea Bowl & Saucer #7865

An interesting and very charming Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer made for the English market with a scene of two children leaving for school with their mother watching their departure from the doorstep. The scene taken from a mezzotint, after a painting by English artist George Morland. The tea bowl and saucer once in the Garbisch Collection, was retailed at some point through the venerable antiques department of Shreve Crump and Lowe in Boston, and was at one point also in the collection of much-respected ceramics scholar Vivian S. Hawes.  The saucer measuring 5 1/2″ in diameter, the tea bowl 3 1/2″ and both in very good condition. Late 18th century.  $950.

 

 

 

 

RARE Color Yellow Fitzhugh Plate #4719

One of the rarest colors in the Fitzhugh palette, this Chinese export porcelain 8 1/2″ plate is hand-painted in the very detailed classic Fitzhugh pattern with peony, butterflies, and antique objects incorporated into its complex design. The pattern, created in the later 18th century, proved popular and went through a number of colorways – this one is one of the rarest as yellow was a very expensive and difficult enamel to fire.  Restored.  First half of the 19th century.

 

 

 

Dragon-Bordered Mandarin Plate #7874 Sold

A richly enameled Chinese export porcelain plate with a central courtly scene of a noble lady seated at a table on a garden terrace with what appears to be a scholar and/or her calligraphy master as she is approached by a supplicant and his attendant. The scene surrounded by a border of colorful swirling dragons pursuing the flaming pearl amongst the clouds. Measuring 8″ in diameter and in good condition with only very slight stacking wear.  Circa 1820. $475.

 

RARE FORM Kangxi Covered Cup & Saucer #7846

A rather rare form in Kangxi Chinese export porcelain, this very finely potted handled cup, cover, and saucer are hand-painted with a deep cobalt underglaze blue with an overall lotus theme consisting of individual lotus petal-shaped panels containing flowering lotus blossoms; the form possibly after European silver shapes of the period.  The cup and cover measuring 5 1/2″ tall, the saucer 5 1/2″ in diameter.  Minor enamel loss to the finial of the cup, otherwise in unusually fine condition. Circa 1690s. One of a PAIR available.  $1350.

 

 

Exquisite Yongzheng Tea Bowl & Saucer #4538

A fine Chinese export ‘eggshell’ porcelain tea bowl and saucer, hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with a peony roundel forming the center of a lotus-shaped reserve featuring lotus flowers and koi fish all within a pink cellwork ground, edged with a yellow lattice border with lotus blossom reserves.  The peony symbolizing wealth and nobility, the lotus purity, and the koi marital bliss and harmony.  Exemplifying the elegance of the  Yongzheng period, circa 1730. The saucer measuring 4 1/2″ in diameter, the tea bowl 2 7/8″, both in very good condition. Ex-Nelson Kline Collection. $1,550.00.

Rare American Market (Philadelphia) Armorial #7835

From a rare American market ‘armorial’ service, which Angela Howard says “was almost certainly assumed without official permission” this  gilded border berry dish was from one of two services made for Joseph Smith of Philadelphia (1770-1845) who was a very prosperous merchant with trading interests in India, China, Ireland, and Germany. He was also partner in the ship the China Packet which sailed for Canton in 1818. Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, vol. II, page 660.  Measuring 5 1/2″ in diameter and in very good condition.  Circa 1815.    $1,150.00.

 

 

Commemorative Martha Washington ‘States’ Plate

A great addition to any American Market Collection, this Martha Washington ‘States Plate’ is a vintage reproduction of an example now in the Smithsonian Institution, commissioned as part of the bicentennial celebrations of George Washington’s birth in 1936.  The original service was given to Martha Washington by a Dutch merchant and celebrates all the states of the new republic, centered with Martha Washington’s initials in a gilded sunburst. Measuring 9 7/8″ in diameter with very minor wear to the gilding, otherwise good condition. Set of four available for your next Washington-themed dinner party. $190.00 each.

 

 

Kangxi Lotus Form Dishes -2 of a Set of 6. #7852

A very fine pair of Chinese export porcelain lotus-form dishes very well painted in rich cobalt blue underglaze enamels, each lotus petal decorated with one o the flowers of the Four Seasons – peony, prunus, chrysanthemum and lotus, encircling a central roundel of flowers and insects amongst rockwork.  Measuring 8 3/4″ across and in very good condition, exemplifying some of best quality Kangxi export porcelain of this period.  Circa 1690s. $1,150.00 each.  All perfect & painted in a rich cobalt blue.

 

 

American Ship Tea Bowl & Saucer #7878d Sold

A truly fine example of Chinese export porcelain made for the American market, this tea bowl and saucer is hand-painted with a ship flying an American flag and bears the  gilded initials PH for Patrick Hayes (1770-1856) who received two sets of ciphered services from China in 1807.  Hayes visited China at least four times eventually becoming a captain and successful merchant in Philadelphia.  He was also a nephew and adopted heir of Commodore John Barry of Philadelphia, as well as being a member of the Order of the Society of Cincinnati.  This ship decoration is rare ; not only initialed, but with the longboat at the brigs stern but with smoke apparently from the ships cannons.  Discussed in Schiffer’s China for America p. 162 and in Mudge, Chinese Export Porcelain for the American Trade p. 194. The saucer measuring 5 3/4″ in diameter and with a faint hairline to the rim and the saucer and the tea bowl with a line in the bottom of the bowl.  Otherwise good condition with really fine ship renderings with proud, large flags. Circa 1800-1820.   $5,200.00

 

 

Fantastical Famille Rose Foo Lion Tea Pot #7798ck

A very charming, fantastical Chinese export teapot decorated in a riot of Famille Rose enamels and fashioned with a Foo Lion spout and handle and surmounted by a cockerel finial, the body with circular reticulated bosses!  This is exactly the “exotic” whimsy that appealed to the European market at the time which was infatuated the mysterious Far East.  A real conversation piece at any tea table, measuring 5 1/2″ x 6″ and in remarkably good condition.  From  the Nelson Kline Collection as well as Santos of London.  Circa 1740s.

 

Frelinghuysen Collection – Four Centuries of Blue & White

A truly magnificent volume illustrating the expansive and carefully curated Freylinghuysen Collection of Chinese and Japanese blue and white export porcelains. Lavishly illustrated, the reader is guided through the last four centuries of blue and white porcelain in all its beautiful forms and decorations by the author, scholar and specialist, Becky McGuire who was long-time Asian Export Art specialist at Christies auction house. Four-hundred-thirty-one pages with great photographs –  a great gift for any collector – or for yourself!  $100.00

 

Pair of Kangxi Covered Jars #7788 SOLD

A very fine quality pair of Kangxi covered jars with reeded bodies and hand-painted in underglaze blue with figural roundels and bordered around the shoulder and base with decorative bands – one with floral bands of peony and chrysanthemum, the other with cranes amongst clouds and ‘antique’ objects. Both topped with well-carved wood openwork covers and both in excellent condition. Kangxi period, late 17th century. Lovely form and lovely condition.

 

Amazing Kangxi Period Double Wall Ewer #7845

A truly remarkable survivor, this extremely fine Chinese export porcelain covered ewer is hand-painted in underglaze blue with hand-cut honey comb panels revealing a double wall construction, also with painted decoration – the same conceit continued onto the domed cover. Decorated on the neck with a peony design, and on the sides with swirling dragons.  The form most likely after Middle Eastern/Persian metal wares but here brought to a whole other level.  Kangxi period, late 17th century. Very good condition. A tour-de-force of the potter’s art. Ex-Chait collection.  Extensively discussed and illustrated in Jorge Welsh’s book Ling Long, pages 54-59.

 

Extremely Rare Samuel Shaw Order of Cincinnati Covered Ecuelle #7785 sold

A truly exceptional piece of American history, this extremely rare Chinese export porcelain ecuelle or covered soup bowl is from a bespoke service ordered by Samuel Shaw, one of George Washington’s staff, who after the Revolution, went to China aboard the ship Empress of China in 1784.  The service bears the insignia of the Order of the Society of the Cincinnati which was a fraternal organization, still active today, for the officers who served on General Washington’s staff and their direct male descendants. This piece bears the faint SS initials of its original owner Samuel Shaw under the insignia. In remarkably fine condition, with only slight wear of the insignia on the reverse side of the bowl. Examples in the collection of Mt. Vernon and the Diplomatic Reception Rooms amongst other major institutions. An entire page is devoted to the history this service and another one for made for George Washington on the page for the Order of the Society of the Cincinnati online.

 

Great Seal Of the United States Helmet Creamer #7786 Sold

A beautiful example of Chinese export porcelain made for the American market, this helmet creamer, undoubtedly from a tea service, was made for Henry Smith of Rhode Island and bears an especially fine example of an early version of the Great Seal of the United States. Smith was a supercargo aboard the ship George Washington on her first voyage to China in 1784. It was only fitting that such a ship return with such an ‘American’ themed tea set and demonstrates the patriotism and enthusiasm citizens bore for their new republic. Very good condition, discussed in Chinese Export Porcelain in the Reeves Collection at Washington & Lee University, page 142.

 

Rare Pair of Fitzhugh Quatrefoil Armorial Dishes #7882cd

A fine pair of Blue Fitzhugh patterned Chinese export porcelain quatrefoil shaped serving dishes bearing a central crest for either the arms of Alexander or Kiddell, illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Volume II, page 540.  This is a rare form, in a strikingly intense blue and in very good condition. Circa 1805.

 

American Market CROWNINSHIELD of Salem #7873 Sold

We are fortunate enough to have several examples from a partial bespoke dinner service made for the American market, each piece bearing a central shield with gilded initials GC for George Crowninshield of Salem, Massachusetts and edged with an overglaze blue enameled grapevine border with gilded detail, the design most likely after English patterns of the period. The Crowninshields’ importance to Salem cannot be overstated, they owned one of the three major wharves in the port city and they helped turn it into one of the major trading centers of New England and America’s new republic and in the they process became enormously wealthy. George Crowninshield  (1733-1815) founded Crowninshield & Sons shipping business, one son later served as Secretary of the Navy, another was a Congressman, and a third, George Jr. built and sailed America’s first yacht, christened Cleopatra’s Barge across the Atlantic. The oval platter measuring 10 1/2″ across, the saucer is  5 1/2″. Both in good condition, the handled cup with a line to around the base, and the interior border worn.  Circa 1800. The platter $950.00, the cup and saucer $650.00.

 

Swag-Patterned American Market Teapot #7568 Sold

A very richly decorated Chinese export porcelain drum teapot made for the American market, the cover and shoulder of the pot with  intricate borders, swags, and flowers in sepia, peach, brown and gilded detail, both sides of the pot with a central roundel featuring a delicate sepia landscape with the original owner’s initials RB. Unfortunately the owner unknown to us at present, but a similar bespoke tea set with the same swag decoration is identified and was made for a prominent Philadelphia family, so it is safe to assume this is most likely intended for the same market. The decoration most likely inspired by classical English design of the period, the pot 5 1/2″ x 9″ and in good condition.  Circa 1800-1810.  $550.00

 

Rare Form Asparagus Holders #7885cd sold

A rather rare and unusual form, something we have not seen in our many years of business: what we think is a pair of Chinese export porcelain Nanking patterned knife rests modeled with shaped sides and hand-painted in underglaze blue with Chinese riverscape scenes.  Used to hold your dinner knife while you were eating to protect the tablecloth from being soiled, these are rather well made and decorated and would have indicated a host’s refinement and sophistication to his dinner guests. Another suggestion has been made that these are brush rests for use in a scholar’s studio?  Any thoughts or suggestions would be welcome!  Either way, a rare and unusual form, measuring 1 1/4″ tall x 8″ long x 1 5/8″ wide.  Early 19th century. $780.00 the pair.  (

Bill Sargent believes they are asparagus holders!    I’ll go with his expertise.

 

 

Superb Condition Lacquer Sewing Box #7886cd Sold

An extraordinary survivor, this beautiful Chinese export lacquer sewing box of shaped form is decorated with scenes of Mandarins at their leisure in garden settings, the case resting upon carved and gilded dragon’s head feet and the top opening to reveal a fitted tray with all the original finely detailed carved bone sewing articles.  This would have been a rather luxurious genteel lady’s ‘work box’ in it’s time, and it is obvious that it’s owner treasured it considering its remarkably good condition.  Measuring 4 1/2 x 12″ x 8 1/4″ and dating to Mid-19th century.  $1,650.00

 

Unique Pattern Armorial Hot Water Dish

A richly enameled and detailed Chinese export porcelain armorial hot water dish made for the English market, hand-painted with a fantastic scene of a mounted warrior and soldiers entering the courtyard of a grand residence while the master of the house and two ladies look down upon the action from a balcony above. Painted in this rare instance with the scene running across the surface of the entire plate without any confining  borders, and with the coat of arms boldly placed in a large oval right in the center. A rare and unusual design making this one of the most sought-after patterns of this period (circa 1810), the arms suggested to be those of either Wight or Bradley by David Howard where a similar dish is illustrated in his book Chinese Armorial Porcelain, vol. I, page 787.  Circa 1820.  $3,900.00

 

#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 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 SOLD

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