A very fine and impressively sized Chinese export porcelain mazzarene, very well painted in famille rose enamels with a central courtly scene of figures on a terrace, the orange, sepia and gilt borders rendered with the same exacting detail and attention. Measuring 13″ x 16″ and in excellent condition. Jiaqing period, circa 1795.
A really finely painted pair of Chinese export porcelain molded and scalloped edge 8 3/4″ saucer dishes, decorated in famille verte enamels with central scene of a kylin in a garden enclosure, a phoenix flying overhead, all within a wide border of alternating panels of floral decoration. Vibrant enamels throughout. Minor enamel loss to rim on the reverse filled, otherwise very good condition. Ex- Chait Galleries. Circa 1700-1710.
A very lovely and complete Chinese export porcelain five piece garniture set, decorated in famile rose enamels, molded with the design of a flowering pomegranate tree which grows about the surface of each piece, the beautifully modeled vases complementing each other’s shape. Each surmounted by its original cover with a gilded foo lion and measuring approximately 11″ tall. One open vase with a rim chip and the other with a sealed crack on the neck, one foo lion off and re- attached, and some very minor rim glaze losses, otherwise, considering their age and the precarious placement of these objects on chimney pieces over two and a half centuries, very good condition. Very decorative and so great to have a complete set. Circa 1740.
A very fine Chinese export porcelain covered cider jug made for the American market with an early naval and maritime connection. One of two cider jugs (see Item #7063) made for Henry Eckford (1775-1832) a Scottish immigrant who became one of America’s finest shipbuilders and designers. Eckford trained with his uncle in Quebec before re-locating to New York in 1796 where he rapidly gained a reputation as a brilliant shipwright and organizer whose quality ships helped New York gain an ascendancy over Philadelphia as America’s leading port. He built ships for John Jacob Astor’s burgeoning trading empire and, during the War of 1812, he won a contract from the U.S. government to build ships on the Great Lakes. He prospered greatly and had a grand house in New York and when financial reversals struck, he rebuilt his fortunes by constructing a 26-gun corvette, sailing it to Constantinople, and selling it to Sultan Mahmud II for $150,000.00. He was a great favorite of the Sultan’s and gained further commissions from him before succumbing to cholera in 1832, his body returning to New York aboard the ship Henry Eckford.
This finely painted jug displays a roundel with the gilded monogram of Henry Eckford, alternating with famille rose bouquets, the rim and cover with elaborately gilded borders on an orange ground. Measuring 10″ tall . Restoration to rim of spout, small line to the handle and line to base , and re-touch to the gilding. Circa 1805.
Once part of an even more dramatic five piece garniture set, this magnificent Chinese export porcelain Pronk baluster form vase is decorated with botanical images of juicy currants against a striking black ground. Not only is the vase European-inspired in form, but the images are taken from prints after watercolors by Dutch artist Sybille Merian and even the acanthus-bordered foot is after Western designs. Measuring an impressive 11 1/2″ tall and in good condition with the exception of retouch to enamel loss, especially on the black background. Circa 1745.
A very large and dramatic 14″ Chinese export porcelain lighthouse form coffee pot, decorated in famille rose enamels with flowering branches of peony and other exotic flowers and birds, the spout fashioned as a dragon’s head, the entire piece a conceit of color and whimsy that would have been appealing to the European market during the rococo period. Measuring 14″ x 11″ and in good condition with the exception of a short line to the rim restored and restoration to the spout. Circa 1750.
A very elegant pair of Chinese export porcelain saucer dishes decorated in famille rose enamels, each centered with a flowering tree of peonies (The Queen of the Flowers, symbol of wealth and nobility) within a beautifully painted border of lotus petals (the symbol of purity). Some minor re-touch to the enamels, otherwise very good condition and measuring approximately 11 in diameter. Circa 1745.
A rather rare find for us, this attractive Chinese export porcelain reticulated undertray with blue diapered border, centered with a sunburst roundel, bears the family crest of JOHN ROSS of Philadelphia. Ross was a very wealthy and prominent merchant and played an important role in the Revolution being by the Continental Congress to resource crucial war supplies and materiel for the Continental Army. To our knowledge most of the pieces from this service are in museum collections and seldom comes on the market.
A fine Chinese export porcelain punch bowl of impressive 16″ size and decorated in famille rose enamels with a rather unusual scene depicting a person of high rank, perhaps the Emperor, seated beneath a canopy, in a boat-shaped wagon with a dragon’s head prow, being drawn by attendants and accompanied by a mounted guard, all within a picturesque landscape-perhaps a great celebration such a Chinese New Year? An iron red enameled landscape centering the interior bottom of the piece. Three rim lines sealed, otherwise good condition. Circa 1750.
A fine Chinese export porcelain part tea and coffee service made for the American market, each piece decorated with an early version of the American eagle based upon the Great Seal of the United States, the eagle supporting a shield inscribed with the gilded initials of the original owner DHA, beneath a sunburst halo and stars. The set comprising a lighthouse form coffee pot, a drum teapot, a helmet form creamer, a slop bowl, a saucer dish, and four teabowls and saucers. Some slight re-touch to gilding and minor wear commensurate with age. In the Federal period taste, circa 1800.
A very handsome Chinese export porcelain 13″ oval platter made for American market as it was part of an extensive service made for prominent Philadelphia merchant John Jacob Ridgway (1768-1843) who was American Consul to Antwerp in the early 19th century. Centered with an early version of the American eagle taken from the Great Seal of the United States, the platter has three lines and two chips restored, otherwise in good condition and displaying beautifully. Early 19th century.
A wonderful pair of Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period plates, decorated in the Chinese taste in the famille rose palette, with a scene of an official fording a river on a horse with his attendant, carrying another older man on his back, wades through the water, as a bemused fisherman watches the pair, a pavilion on the opposite bank. It is noted in The Choice of the Private Trader, that these “borderless” scenes where the illustration covers the entire surface of the plate, along with this combination of colors, are relatively rare and must represent limited commissions for this style of decoration. Measuring 9″ in diameter, one with a short line sealed, otherwise both in good condition. Circa 1735.
A beautiful Chinese export porcelain 9″ soup plate made for the English market, bearing the Arms of MILLS impaling WEBBER, centered with a quatrefoil reserve decorated with a scene of a European gentleman walking along the banks of a river, a walled and towered town on the opposite side, while the rim is decorated with two reserves featuring Western ships entering harbors, the rim top featuring the family’s crest of a lion rampant, the bottom centered with the arms. The use of the porcelain white space sets off the famille rose designs beautifully. Illustrated in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, page 325. This piece with a history of descent in the family of Robert Treat Paine of Boston. Glaze line and very minor rim frit, otherwise quite fine condition. Another available to make a pair. Circa 1745.
A truly impressive pair of Chinese export porcelain Kangxi beaker vases, measuring 17 1/2″ tall and decorated in famille verte enamels with an elaborately scrolling lotus ground in iron red divided by bands dragons, one pursuing the flaming pearl of wisdom, another with dragons within quatrefoil reserves against a stippled green ground, both within ruyi-shaped lappet borders. In rather good condition for their age, one with a line across the base going a bit into the body, professionally sealed, but otherwise, no major damage or restorations. Circa 1700-1710.
A very good and very interesting example of Yongzheng period famille rose decoration, this octagonal 8 1/4″ plate features the very popular theme of cockerels in a landscape with the two yellow birds in this particular piece virtually one over the other in a very fore-shortened space bordered to one side by the strong vertical of a leafing tree trunk and a swaying over-sized peony all within a shaped outer border of flowering prunus and peony branches against cell-work diapered ground. All in rich, thick enamels, proud of the surface. Very good condition, a great, fun, vibrant design. Circa 1730-1735.
A fine Chinese export porcelain plate decorated with a central Mandarin scene of figures on a terrace within an unusual border of small white blossoms against deep overglaze blue ground, the reverse with a rare gilded monogram of the original owner. Seldom were the services inscribed on the reverse as this example was. Measuring 8″ in diameter and in very good condition. Circa 1820.
A charming Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period teapot and cream jug, lavishly decorated in famille rose enamels, with roundels depicting a garden stool and table with a a profusion of peony blossoms, beneath which reclines a white kitten, all against a densely worked ground with a variety of meticulously rendered diapering and scrolling foliate decoration, the cover as richly enameled and surmounted by a gilded foo lion. A very small area on the teapot possibly re-painted with line sealed beneath, otherwise very good condition and superb decoration. The teapot 5″ tall x 6 1/2″, the cream jug 3 1/4″ x 3 3/4″. Priced as a set. Circa 1735.
A great example of Chinese export eagle decorated ware for the American market, this vibrant Orange Fitzhugh-patterned 7 3/4″ plate is centered with a fine rendition of the American eagle based upon the Great Seal of the United States, supporting a striped shield, clutching the olive branch of peace and the arrows of war, the “E PLURIBUS UNUM” banner in his beak. Very good condition. Circa 1800-1810.
large and impressive Chinese export porcelain oval warming dish, finely hand-painted in the sepia Fitzhugh pattern and bearing a central roundel with the initials RRT for Richard Renshaw Thomson (1799-1824). Thomson was the son of a prominent Philadelphia China trader, Edward Thomson, serving as an agent on his father’s behalf, as well as American consul in Canton. Several services for this family exist and they are discussed in Philadelphia and the China Trade, pages 152-153. Accompanying this fine dish is a cover from one of those other services bearing the initials of a Richard’s brother, John Renshaw Thomson, who also served in Canton as consul, appointed by President Monroe. Both pieces are in very good condition with only slight wear. Measuring 11 1/4″ x 16″.
A lovely pair of Chinese export porcelain soup plates decorated in famille rose enamels, centered with a scene of a pair of quail beneath branches of flowering prunus, peony and chrysanthemum, the rim painted with further flowering branches and bamboo in biano sopra bianco. Measuring 9″ in diameter and in good condition with the exception of two chips to the reverse of one plate which does not detract from its presentation. Circa 1735.
A very fine Chinese export Yongzheng period porcelain charger of impressive size, measuring 15″ in diameter, and wonderfully decorated in famille rose enamels, centered with a pair of horses in a landscape beneath the feathery branches of a willow tree, the outer border with lavishly enameled flowering branches of peony and chrysanthemum. Beautiful enameling and quality typical of this Yongzheng period. Good condition. 15″ in diameter. Circa 1735.
These wonderful Chinese export porcelain Kangxi plates have the fine potting, brilliant glaze and vibrant cobalt blue decoration for which this period is so well known. The unusual design is a veritable riot of flowers with a central roundel of flowering plants within a densely packed border of blossoms, the motif continuing around the rim with a profusion of buds, blossoms and leaves. Measuring 9 1/2″ in diameter, described in Dutch VOC inventories as a “Double Plate”. One with a line to the reverse, sealed, and very, very minor rim roughness as can be expected, but otherwise in very good condition. Circa 1690. $650.00 each.
A beautiful Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period plate, decorated with famille verte enamels with a central scene of a scholar in his studio pondering through his window a courtly lady walking below in a terraced garden. He is poised with pen and paper; perhaps her beauty is distracting his work, or, inspiring it? All within a vibrant foliate border. Measuring 9″ in diameter and in very good condition. Circa 1700-1720. $1,480.00
A fine Chinese export porcelain Transitional period garlic necked vase of unusually large size, decorated in underglaze blue with scenes of scholars and their attendants within a landscape. Measuring an impressive 16 1/2″ tall, and in remarkably good condition. Circa 1640.
A fine pair of Chinese export porcelain barbed edge plates, elaborately decorated in famille rose enamels with a central shaped medallion of peony and prunus against a swirling foliate blue ground, the cavetto with a ring of lotus, and the shaped rim repeating the peony and lotus motif again against a blue ground. All richly enameled, “proud” of the surface. Illustrated in Williamson’s book on superlative examples of early famille rose.Very good condition, measuring 9″ in diameter, and dating to circa 1735-1745.
A wonderful example of Chinese export porcelain for the American market, this highly decorative Sepia Fitzhugh 16″ oval platter is magnificently handpainted and centered with the initials for Richard Renshaw Thomson (1799-1824) who was both agent for his father’s Philadelphia trading company, as well as American consul in Canton. Measuring 11″ x 16″ and in excellent condition. Circa 1820-24.
A very handsome late Yongzheng/early Qianlong period Chinese export porcelain Dutch armorial dinner plate centered with the Arms of De Jonge, finely enameled and gilded, within a cavetto border and rim decoration of meticulously painted underglaze blue floral designs. Peony blossoms and butterflies are scattered about the rim on the reverse. The arms were borne by Cornelis de Jonge (1687-1743), a VOC official in Bengal, and also by his son Dr. Christian de Jonge (1730-1790). Measuring 9″ in diameter, and in good condition with the exception of a small rim line sealed. Circa 1735-1740. Illustrated in Kroes’ Chinese Armorial Porcelain for the Dutch Market, page 198.
A very impressive pair of 13″ Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period vases of ribbed form resting upon slightly flared bases, each decorated in underglaze blue with shaped reserves against a lattice ground, and each reserve featuring a flower representing one of the four seasons; lotus, peony, chrysanthemum and prunus. The floral motif continues with peony and molded lotus petal bands around the neck, cover and base. Minor restoration to covers and necks of both vases, and the corner of one base, and some very minor glaze fritting as can be expected, otherwise in very good condition. Circa 1690.
An outstanding example of the fine Yongzheng wares being produced and catering to the demands of the Western market, this handsome armorial charger is from a special order service made for a one time Lord Mayor of London. Bearing the elaborately detailed central arms of MERTINS impaling PECK, it is illustrated and discussed in the venerable tome by David Howard, Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, Page 213. In very good condition, 12 1/4″ in diameter and dating to circa 1725.
A very fine pair of Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period Famille Jaune ginger jars, meticulously decorated with an overall scrolling foliate design on a soft yellow ground, each with a finely carved hardwood cover. The skill of the painting enhanced only by the ground color as yellow was a difficult color to fire in a kiln. Measuring 10″ tall and dating to circa 1700. Previously lamped, but now professionally restored, the bodies of the jars without any chips, breaks or lines and presenting beautifully. Formerly in the collections of Bernard Barouk and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
A very attractive Japanese Meiji period four panel screen depicting hand painted pine and prunus against a gilded cloud background mounted within a brocade mat and simple black frame. Measuring 37″ tall x 8′ 3″ wide. Originally used on the floor, but equally beautiful wall mounted, either way a very soothing and pleasing presence in any space. Minor imperfections and restorations commensurate with age, but overall good condition. Edo Period. $3800.
A very impressive Chinese export porcelain wine cooler, decorated in famille rose enamels with elegant flowering branches, the bulbous form raised upon a flared base and surmounted by a flared monteith style rim, the rim decorated as well on the interior. Heavily potted to support ice and wine for a lavish entertainment, this magnificent piece, modeled after European silver forms, would have been a status symbol in its day, gracing a nobleman’s sideboard, a sign of his gracious and liberal entertaining. Measuring 13″ x 19″ x 16″. With a crack sealed and a chip to one of the monteith lappets restored, otherwise, very good condition. Third quarter of the 18th century.
An especially lovely Japanese porcelain tea pot, the melon-form body with segmented panels decorated in the Kakiemon style with a flowering prunus stretching across one side and flowers issuing from rockwork on the other, the prunus motif continuing on the cover. Measuring 6″ x 4″. Very good condition. The cover with some slight crazing and a perfect fit. Late 17th/early 18th century.
A nice example of an 18th century Chinese export porcelain spoon tray, of shaped form with Mandarin decoration. Measuring 5″ x 3 1/2″ and in good condition with only slight wear (from all those spoons!) and a minor frit to the edge. Qianlong period, circa 1770.
A lovely Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period tea bowl and saucer, decorated in famille rose enamels with reserves of cockerels and flowering peony against a meticulously gilded cellwork ground. Thinly potted and finely enameled, and in very good condition. The saucer 4″ in diameter. Circa 1730. $1,950.00
With the quality of potting and porcelain and the attention to detail one can expect from the Yongzheng period, this vibrantly enameled tea bowl and saucer, rendered in famille rose, is beautifully decorated with lotus blossoms against a diapered ground. The saucer measuring 4″ in diameter and in very good condition. Circa 1730.
A superlative Chinese export porcelain molded saucer dish with a barbed edge, thinly potted, richly glazed, decorated in underglaze blue and centered with a classic Chinese landscape deftly brushed in the “Master of the Rocks” style. The lotus border, in contrast to the spontaneously brushed landscape, is a careful study in meticulous rendering, the lotus theme repeating on the molded panels on the reverse side and surrounding a centered six-character mark. Measuring 8″ in diameter and, other than a few rim frits filled, in great condition. Kangxi period, circa 1690.
An especially fine Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period snuff bottle in the form of a baluster vase and decorated in underglaze blue with peasants within a classic landscape and a scholar in his study, the bottom centered with a Yongzheng mark and of the period. Despite it being only 2″ tall, as much care and attention was lavished on its decoration as if it were a temple vase. Minor frit at the rim color filled and faint lines sealed in the body . The stopper and spoon, if not original, is a very old replacement. A rare survivor indeed. Circa 1730.
A strikingly beautiful Chinese export porcelain 11 1/4″ rimmed saucer dish painted in a vibrant underglaze cobalt blue with a lone scholar walking through a mountainous landscape, a waterfall nearby with fish bounding upstream, all within a narrow border rendered with flowering prunus and peony branches, this motif repeating on the reverse. A harmonious composition, and a finely crafted piece of porcelain with a luminous glaze typical of the best production of this period. Very good condition with only three minute rim frits and a restored chip to the reverse. Early Kangxi circa 1670. $5,800.00
A very attractive Chinese export porcelain handled cup and saucer, made for the American market in the Brown Fitzhugh pattern and more specifically, from a service ordered for, and bearing the initials of, prominent Philadelphia China Trader, JAMES LARGE MIFFLIN, who was the grand nephew of Thomas Mifflin, first governor of Pennsylvania. Lovely quality and amazing, hand-painted and gilded detailing. Faint line to the cup, otherwise very good condition and a great form for any American market collector. Saucer 5 1/2″ in diameter. Circa 1825. $1,450.00
A very charming set of three Japanese export porcelain Kutani cats, their spots richly rendered in gilding, each recumbent feline of graduated size, happily dozing, adorned with a red bow and bell about its neck. Measuring 6 1/2″, 4″ and 2 1/8″ long and in very good condition. Late 19th/early 20th century. $850.00
An especially fine Chinese export porcelain 9″ armorial plate, made for the English market, centered with the very grand Arms of Hanbury in pretence with Comyn, this plate was part of a service ordered by prominent London Quaker merchant John Hanbury (1700-1758). According to Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, page 265, “This famous ‘Virginia Merchant’ was granted very considerable lands in Maryland and Virginia, and aroused animosity among his Quaker friends for permitting slavery on his estates”. Please note the exquisitely wrought gilded grapevine borders, virtually untouched from the day the service was unpacked on the East India docks! Yongzheng period, circa 1735.
A very attractive Chinese export porcelain teabowl and saucer made for the American market, decorated with a central image rendered en grisaille of an expansive country house, possibly Rosewell, one of the great Philadelphia country estates of the time along the Schuykill River. This is encircled by a peach and sepia enameled Regency-style border with gilded highlights, most likely derived from English porcelain patterns of the time. The saucer 5 1/2″ in diameter, the teabowl 3 3/8″, both in very good condition. Circa 1800-1810.
Some extraordinary quality is exhibited here in this fine example of a Chinese export porcelain 10″ dinner plate, decorated in famille rose enamels in the Palaceware pattern with a central scene depicting an image from The Tale of the Calligrapher and the Goose all within a richly gilded latticework border with sepia landscape reserves. Superb quality from the end of the 18th century, circa 1795.
We have had the pleasure of having examples of this great service before and are always impressed by the quality of the decoration in both the highly detailed Fitzhugh pattern, the intense orange enamel, and finely rendered armorial. These two beautiful 9 3/4″ plates each centered with the ARMS OF SETON, one of several services ordered for the family. These particular examples are from a service made for Sir Alexander Seton, 5th Baronet; he and his three sons were all in the Honourable East India Company. See Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. II, page 541. Both in excellent condition, circa 1810.
A very beautiful and well-known early Chinese export porcelain armorial soup plate made for the English bearing the arms of GODFREY, decorated with a meticulous underglaze blue foliate border of peony, pine and prunus, centered at the top with a black-a-moor crest, the central design a famille rose armorial. Most likely ordered for the family by a cousin who was serving as a supercargo in Canton in 1728, making this an early example of the use of the newly developed famille rose palette. See Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, page 172. One of several export services ordered for the Godfrey family. Piece out of the rim and put back, some wear to enamels, otherwise good condition. 8 1/2″. Yongzheng period, circa 1728. $1050.00
A charming Chinese export porcelain coffee can and saucer made for the American Market with a Philadelphia connection.We know of several services with this specific sawtooth border and sepia roundel decoration featuring a fisherman in front of a house along a riverbank with Philadelphia family connections; this coffee can and saucer with a history of descent in the DuPont family. Good condition, circa 1800. $275.00
We have always been especially interested in this period of Chinese export, and always try to acquire great examples when we can as it was a time of simply masterful potting and painting; here is such an outstanding example. This Yongzheng period eggshell porcelain tea bowl and saucer are meticulously rendered in a pattern we’ve not seen before, the tea bowl with a tiny “Y” diaperwork border edged with the flowing contours of a gilded dragon, above lovely continuous landscape of a bucolic river scene leading up to the walls of a garden of a great house, the saucer similarly painted with small boats making their way to the walled compound, fantastical rockwork in the background, all edged with the same whimsical dragon border. The tea bowl interior edged in pink diaperwork is centered at the bottom with a barren tree. A work of art to fit in the palm of your hand; tea bowl 2 5/8″ in diameter, the saucer 4 1/4″. Excellent condition. Circa 1730.
An especially lovely example of Chinese export porcelain made for the English market, this elegant 9″ plate is decorated in famille rose enamels with the arms of Napier of Ballikinrany. The design is centered with a quatrefoil reserve with a European town scene, the family arms rest on the bottom border, and their crest at the top, alternating with two charming scenes within rococo cartouches that are usually associated with the “Valentine pattern” depicting such romantic imagery as a pair of faithful dogs, and a pair doves resting upon Cupid’s quiver while a heart burns upon an altar of love. Very good condition with only a very minor line sealed. Illustrated in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, page 320. Circa 1745.
