A very engaging pair of Chinese export porcelain candle or joss stick holders in the form of recumbent elephants, finely hand-painted and detailed with gilded highlights and underglaze blue ‘banana leaf’ decorated candle sockets, measuring approximately 5″ x 5″. Restoration to the rim of the socket of one and the elephant trunk of the other, otherwise very good condition. Similar examples are illustrated in William Sargent’s book on The Copeland Collection in the Peabody Essex Museum, pages 242-243.

A really well-painted Chinese porcelain cylindrical-form brush pot meticulously rendered in grisaille and shades of iron red with a wonderful scene depicting a scholars’ gathering in what appears to be the interior of a summer house.  Three scholars are seated at a table before a wonderful folding screen painted with a flowering prunus, while a fourth guest arrives amongst attendants bearing refreshments. From the bowls of treats on the table, to the patterns of their robes, to floral arrangement on the root table, everywhere you look there is some new detail to engage your eye. Measuring 5″ tall x 4″ in diameter and in very good condition. Late 19th/early 20th century, most likely Republic period.

A really fine pair of Chinese export porcelain shaped dinner plates meticulously hand-painted in a raspberry enamel, each with a central scene of a ship flying what appears to be a Dutch flag ailing through choppy seas towards a city on the horizon, most likely Amsterdam, one of the premier China Trade ports of the world at this time. The very linear rendering, almost certainly taken from a engraving of the period, is encircled with a border of a snake swallowing its own tail. This ancient emblem originated in Egypt and is called an ouroboros and it denotes the repetitive cycle of creation arising out of destruction. How this image ended up on a piece of Chinese porcelain with a European maritime image is cause for further speculation. What is more keeping with the period of the plate is the charming scrolling and foliate and gilded spearhead borders. Both plates measuring 9″ in diameter and in great condition with only slight re-touch to minimal stacking wear. Fantastic maritime images of the China Trade. Mid-18th century.

A very attractive Chinese export porcelain hot water serving dish, decorated in Famille Rose enamels with a central Mandarin scene of what appears to be a scholar and his assistant on a garden terrace, the servant presenting a letter to a rather dodgy-looking messenger with a rather menacing-looking staff. The nuances of this meeting are lost as one is distracted by the totally charming fish-decorated border where koi and crayfish and crabs cavort amongst foam-green flower-strewn waves. Measuring 10 1/2″ spout to spout and in very good condition. Circa 1820.

A rather rare and highly unusual Ming period Chinese sancai-glazed biscuit ewer in the form of a crayfish poised upon a lotus leaf riding the crest a wave with koi jumping amongst the swirling waters on either side, and a further companion, a toad, forming the cover of the ewer, riding upon the crayfish’s back. The color, composition, and form of this piece all adds to its charm and whimsy.  Pieces such as these were made not only for the Chinese market, but also for the Southeast Asian trade, especially Indonesia, where they were used for wine vessels in ritual ceremonies, as well as a few making their way into early noble and royal European collections where they were admired as curiosities and given as diplomatic gifts. Measuring approximately 8″ tall x 5″ wide, this one appears in rather good condition with only some restoration to the cover, the tip of the spout, and one of the crayfish legs. Similar example in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam                Circa 1573-1620.

A fine Chinese export porcelain 10″ dinner plate, richly decorated in Famille Rose enamels and centered with a great Mandarin scene of figures on a rather grand marble and latticework terrace all within a lush border full of flowers and butterflies, all with gilded detail. Great detail throughout, note in the foreground the rockwork garden and the brushwork on the willow tree. In very good condition. This would have certainly made up part of an extensive and rather eye-catching dinner service. Circa 1820.

A very finely potted Yongzheng period eggshell porcelain saucer, exquisitely decorated to a very high standard of craftsmanship, hand-painted in rich Famille Rose enamels that sit “proud of the surface” with a central peony roundel against a scrolling gilded foliate ground. A very small line at the rim on the reverse, otherwise very good condition, and bearing the collection sticker of K.R. Rizk whose collection was known for this degree of quality. Circa 1730.

A rather rare and unusual form for Chinese export armorial porcelain, this finely crafted diminutive pickle dish bears the Arms of MacDonald of Scotland. This little gem reflects the level of artistry put into these special order dinner services; no matter how many pieces (and these services were expansive) or what size the piece, each form was hand-painted with the same degree of meticulous quality. Illustrated in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, page 279. Circa 1795.

A lovely pair of Chinese export porcelain kidney-shaped serving dishes vibrantly hand-painted in Famille Rose  enamels with central Mandarin scenes within a colorful border of well-rendered flowers and butterflies with a gilded edge.  Measuring 8″ x 11″ and in very good condition with only slight wear commensurate with age and felt pads adhered to the foot rims. This is always a pleasing form to add to one’s collection. Circa 1820.

A very fine Yongzheng period Chinese export porcelain footed hexagonal form brush pot, decorated in the Chinese taste in Famille Rose enamels with each panel containing a different figural scene.  Measuring 5″ tall by 4″ wide, this desirable form suffers only from some glaze losses along the edges of the piece, otherwise it is in very good condition with each panel presenting a rich and colorful scene.  A cylindrical Famille Rose brush pot of the same period with figural decoration measuring 5 5/8″ tall sold at Sotheby’s New York in September 2019 for $16,250.00.                     Circa 1730-1735.

A very rare Chinese export porcelain oval platter of impressive size and desirable decoration, finely hand-painted in the Sepia Fitzhugh pattern and centered with a large American eagle supporting a monogrammed shield and bearing in its beak a banner inscribed E PLURIBUS UNUM  taken from an early version of the Great Seal of the United States. Part, undoubtedly, of a special order dinner service whose original owner BSP, as inscribed on the shield, remains sadly unidentified. Measuring 12 1/2″ tall x 15 1/2″, we do not think we have ever had an example of Sepia Fitzhugh this large and with an eagle of this size. Despite some kiln ash from it’s original production, this piece is in remarkably great condition with no damage or repairs, the eagle decoration intact and only minor retouch to stacking wear in the cavetto.  A centerpiece for any Fitzhugh or American market collection.  Circa 1820.

A beautiful pair of Chinese export porcelain hot water serving dishes, richly hand-decorated with central Mandarin scenes within gilded cavettos, the rim bordered with swirling dragons alternating with small reserves of flaming pearls, a reserve at the top inscribed with the gilded monogram of the owner who originally ordered this spectacular service. Measuring 10″ across and in good condition with the exception of a very small rim chip to one, and some stacking wear to one cavetto. Circa 1795-1810.

A very fine group of special order Chinese export porcelain hand-painted in the Blue Fitzhugh pattern and made for the English market, each piece bearing the ARMS of HILL DAWE quartering MOORE, LEWES AND SELWYNE. Discussed on page 645, vol. II in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain. Brilliant cobalt blue with contrasting gilding and polychrome central armorial. Very good condition, circa 1795.  10″, 8″ and 6″ plates along with a sauceboat and undertray. Priced individually.

A rather rare pair of Chinese export hand-painted wallpaper panels, rendered in gouache, one with a scene from tea production, the other representing one of the steps in porcelain production. These were most likely part of  more expansive continuous scenes depicting the processes of tea and porcelain production and were at some later point cut down and mounted as screen or decorative panels. The tea scene shows the packers being brought dried tea leaves as they stomp them into their packing crates; the porcelain scene represents one of the decorators workshops where the pieces were hand-painted before being fired, a laborer in the foreground bearing a yoke of firewood for the kiln. Both an extraordinary snapshot in time, beautifully rendered in warm colors and rich detail. Each measuring 58 1/2″ tall by 22 1/2″ wide and with the usual surface scuffs and abrasions and minor inpainting expected of pieces of this age, but in overall good and stable condition. Late 18th/early 19th century. Sold individually.

A pair of rare Chinese export hand-painted wallpaper panels, rendered in gouache on paper, later mounted as screen panels, depicting a father and son in their garden with their house in the background and with other family members seen in a gallery and through a window and with servants or vendors coming upon the scene, one yoked with baskets of vegetables. Are the squabbling cockerels in the garden mimicking the unruly child on the terrace gallery?  Lovely warm colors and rich in detail, these two panels were undoubtedly part of a more expansive scene at one time and would have captivated the western customers for which they were intended…and still do. Measuring 58 1/2″ tall x 22″ wide, the panels have the usual scuffs, minor inpainting and wear commensurate with age, but are in overall very good and stable condition. Late 18th/early 19th century.

A very attractive pair of Chinese export porcelain soup plates made for the American market, decorated in Famille Rose enamels with an elegant Chinese landscape within a gilded spearhead border, the rim encircled with images of the Eight Immortals and centered at the top with a gilded monogram for DeWitt and Maria Clinton of New York.  In addition to this being one of the most decoratively beautiful services made for the American market, it was ordered for one of the most remarkable statesmen of the New Republic as DeWitt Clinton, as Governor of New York, was one of the driving forces in the building of the Erie Canal which made New York city into the financial powerhouse that it remains to this day.  He had also served in the New York State, was Mayor of New York, and at time ran for President. Both his father and uncle served in the Revolution.  Illustrated and discussed in New York and the China Trade, page 77.  Measuring 9″ across, in very good condition and dating to circa 1805.

A very fine example of a Chinese export porcelain mug made for the American market hand-painted with a three-masted ship flying two American flags, with a delicate floral and dotted border and double strap handle. Restoration to handle, otherwise in very good condition, measuring 4 1/2″ tall and dating to circa 1800. Excellent rendering of the ship.

A very handsome example of a Chinese export porcelain eagle-decorated dinner plate, made for the American market and undoubtedly part of a special-order dinner service whose patriotic owner remains to this point a mystery. Centered with a finely rendered sepia eagle supporting a blue and gold-striped shield, a banner reading E Pluribus Unum held in the bird’s beak floats above his head encircled in clouds and against a star-filled sky all within an elaborate gilded classical-style border. A dinner service made for John C. Calhoun bears a similar eagle design. Some wear to the gilding, otherwise very good condition. Measuring 9 3/4″ in diameter and dating to circa 1825.

A finely modeled Chinese export porcelain figure of a recumbent spaniel, of impressive size and charming presence (look at that face!) Beautifully hand-painted and measuring 7″ tall x 9 1/2″ long. Restored. Dating to the Qianlong period, 1736-1796.

An unusual version of a ship-decorated bowl made for the early American market, this 10″ punch bowl is hand-painted with a large blue star-studded “Jack” flag which denoted that there was either an ambassador aboard or that the ship was on a diplomatic mission of some sort.  This flag remained in use aboard United States naval ships until the early 20th century. The bowl measuring 10″ in diameter and restored. Circa 1800.

A charming and possibly unique design, this wonderful 4″ tall mug with rope twist handle is finely painted with the image of a dove perched upon a classical plinth beneath a banner inscribed AMERICA with the partial image of a ship in the distance flying a nicely detailed American flag from its stern. The plinth monogrammed with the yet unknown owner’s initials, though most likely the ship’s captain or supercargo. Very good condition. Circa 1795-1810.

A very charming pair of diminutive Chinese porcelain brush washers modeled in the form of Chinese shoes cast with relief detailing of black against a green enamel ground. In Chinese culture, shoes symbolize wealth as their shape resembles silver ingots. And, in combination with a mirror, they mean “together and in harmony”.  This harmonious little pair measuring 3 1/2″ long is in very good condition with only a slight hairline to the interior of one shoe. Kangxi period, circa  1700.

A nice form to complement any Chinese export porcelain collection-this lovely oval form serving dish is painstakingly hand-painted in the Orange Fitzhugh pattern. Measuring 9 3/4″ x 12 1/2″ and in very good condition. Circa 1825.

A beautiful example of special-order China Trade porcelain for the American Market, this richly gilded-border 9 3/4″ plate is centered with a sepia rendered spread eagle supporting a blue and gilded stripe shield, clutching a banner in its beak inscribed E Pluribus Unum beneath a halo of clouds and stars. The eagle taken from an early version of the Great Seal of the United States. In very good condition with only a minute 1/4″ hairline sealed to the reverse rim. Early 19th century.

A great form, this lovely Chinese export porcelain kidney-shaped dish is wonderfully decorated in vibrant Famille Rose enamels centered with a scene of courtly gentlemen seated on a garden terrace with their attendants, all within a border of exotic bird vignettes alternating with raspberry enameled diapering, bamboo branches, and gilded scrolls. Measuring 8 1/4″ x 11 1/4″ and in very good condition. Circa 1810-1820.

A great example of Chinese export porcelain made for the new American republic-this breakfast tea bowl and saucer are finely hand-painted with images of a ship under sail flying two American flags. From the Root service, and once in the collection of Elinor Gordon and exhibited at the Baltimore Museum, it is considered one of the best ship renderings on export ware of this period. Restoration to the saucer and piece out of the tea bowl and re-attached. The saucer measuring 6″ in diameter, the tea bowl 4″. Circa 1800.

A charming and rare-sized Chinese export porcelain mug, made for the American market, hand-painted with a sepia spread eagle supporting a blue and gold shield beneath a faint halo of gilded stars, along with a twisted rope handle and blue dot borders. These mugs most often came in graduated sets so this most likely was the smallest in the group-perfect for a very patriotic child! Measuring 3 1/2″ tall and with a line running along side the handle and onto the bottom of the mug-all professionally sealed-the eagle design in original condition. Circa 1800-1810.

A charming Chinese export porcelain teapot of molded form-the cover and lower portion of the pot shaped to resemble lotus petals and the lotus motif continues on the bottom of the piece as an applied lotus bud and stem which forms the feet upon which the piece rest. The hand-painted images of koi are a symbol of conjugal harmony as they are believed to mate for life. This is an excellent example of the fantastical sort of  Chinese teawares that enthralled European consumers in the 18th century. In remarkably good condition. Measuring 4 1/2″ tall x 6″ wide. Circa 1735.

Yongzheng quality at its best-this thinly potted and meticulously hand-painted pair of Chinese export porcelain tea bowls and saucers are decorated in famille rose enamels with cartouches of peony blossoms against a gilded diapered ground. Very good condition, the saucers measuring 4 1/2″ in diameter, the tea bowls approximately 1 1/2″ tall-reflecting the pure luxury and rarity of tea in Europe at this time. Circa 1730.

A fine 4 3/4″ tall Chinese export porcelain mug centered with an image of  a British ship, its sails furled, its cannons ready and flying two English Union Jacks. A good example of late 18th/early 19th century maritime history. Very good condition. Circa 1800.

A beautifully decorated Chinese export porcelain 9″ dinner plate hand-painted en grisaille with gilded details with a central image of the Nativity within an elaborate scrolling and foliate rococo border. Almost certainly taken from a European print source, the painter meticulously rendering the scene in the line work and crosshatching he was copying from an engraved print. Very good condition with only a slight line to the rim of the reverse. Circa 1745.

A rare, large-sized Chinese export porcelain footed punch or wine pot, of hexagonal form, decorated in Famille Rose enamels with vignettes of phoenix and peony, hawks perched upon prunus branches amongst chrysanthemum, and figural scenes of women and children as well as a band of shaped panels with stylized dragons in relief around the neck of the pot. The conforming cover with further floral motifs and figures a playful boys, surmounted by a lotus bud knop.  The form similar to European hexagonal silver pots of the early 18th century. In remarkably good condition, measuring 7″ tall x 9″ wide and dating to circa 1740-1750. One image showing the pot for size in comparison to another more typical of the period.

A very fine Chinese export porcelain punch bowl of impressive size, measuring 14″ in diameter, and richly decorated in vibrant enamels-the entire exterior covered with detailed Mandarin scenes within scrolling rococo style cartouches alternating with vignettes of abundant flowering baskets, all against a meticulously hand-painted diapered ground with gilded details throughout.  The basket of flowers motif continues, centered within a roundel at the bottom of the bowl, the rim with floral rose swags in the European style. In very good condition, with only a minute rim chip and associated line professionally sealed. A very fine example. Circa 1770.

Another fine piece of Yongzheng porcelain from our collection, this lovely Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer are decorated in Famille Rose enamels, the pieces divided into quadrants, two are hand-painted with prancing kylin against richly enameled grounds with scrolling peony.  These alternate with vignettes of birds perched on prunus branches, all centered with a chrysanthemum roundel. Both pieces finely potted, the quality of porcelain and painting one expects from this brief period. Very good condition. Circa 1730.

A very well-painted Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer, thinly potted and decorated en grisaille with figures in a Chinese landscape.  We usually think of this grisaille method of decoration used for European special orders such as designs taken from engravings with Western subject matter, so we were delighted to have found a piece done in the Chinese taste.  Very good condition. Late Yongzheng early Qianlong period. Circa 1740.

Two pairs of very well-painted Chinese export porcelain 8″ plates rendered in Famille Rose enamels, all depicting colorful and detailed Mandarin scenes within elaborate raspberry-enameled diapered borders with exotic bird vignettes and gilded highlights. Pair ‘A’ features a lady of some importance being pushed about a garden in a wheel chair with a parasol while being greeting by officials, along with a second plate depicts a lady with her attendant being approached  in a landscape by a messenger or supplicant of some sort. Pair ‘B’ offers a plate with a pair of scholars seated at a marble table on an outdoor terrace about to be served their tea, along with another plate painted with a noble lady seated on a root chair with her attendants in an elaborate hall, listening to a musician perform upon the guzheng. Note the detail of the marble screen behind her, the elaborate floor tiles and even the miniature tray garden near the musician-a remarkable snapshot of life! Measuring 8″ in diameter and in very good condition with only the exception of slight stacking wear commensurate with age. Circa 1820.

PAIR A

PAIR B

A truly beautiful form, and superbly decorated in underglaze blue, this Chinese porcelain brush pot of simple flared cylindrical form is hand-painted with figures in a landscape being viewed from an attendant in a window and a scholar’s studio with his desk visible through an open door.  Excellent condition. Chenghua mark on the bottom as well as an old Chait collection sticker. Circa 1640-1660.

A superb pair of Chinese export porcelain octagonal armorial soup plates of interest to both American and English market collectors as it is one of three services made for Samuel Vaughan, an English merchant and planter in Jamaica, who married Bostonian Sarah Hallowell in 1747.  They relocated to England, but a large portion of the service returned to America after the Revolution when part of the family moved to Hallowell, Maine where they played a prominent role in settling the area in the new republic.  Each piece centered with the arms of Vaughan impaling Hallowell, finely painted, the rims of the plates scattered with floral sprigs, illustrated and discussed on page 576 in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. II. Each measuring 8 1/2″ across; one with two small rim chips on the reverse filled, the other with glaze lines on the reverse which do not show through, otherwise splendid enamels in good condition. Circa 1770.

A rather rare Chinese export porcelain punch bowl decorated with equestrian hunting motifs, finely painted with two sepia roundels depicting huntsmen with their horses and hounds, alternating with two roundels depicting country house landscapes. The images and bowl rim edged with overglaze blue and gilded borders, the bottom interior with a basket of flowers design. It is suggested that these bowls were made for export to not only England but also for the American mid-Atlantic and southern colonies where the English aristocratic lifestyle with pursuits, such a fox hunting, was emulated. This is a fine example measuring 13 1/2″ in diameter with three lines restored, otherwise in very good condition, especially the finely rendered scenes-most likely taken from engravings of the period.  A similar example in the collections at Winterthur. Circa 1785.

A truly extraordinary example of Chinese export porcelain made for the American market, this beautiful pair of  covered pots-de-cremes is from a service made for our third, and one of our greatest, American presidents, Thomas Jefferson. The pattern-a simple underglaze blue spearhead border with gilded highlights, typical of the aesthetic of the Federal period-is augmented with an armorial crest surmounted by knight’s helmet flanked by flourishes and bellflower swags above a shield centered with a gilded initial J.  With a long history of descent in the Jefferson family, this service was auctioned off after Jefferson’s death in 1826 by his granddaughter Ellen Wayles Randolph, part of a massive sale of personal property made necessary by the staggering debt in which Jefferson left his estate. The service was later reacquired by Ellen Randolph’s grandson for the family and pieces were eventually lent out to various public collections for exhibition; four pieces were donated to the White House in 1906 and are still in their possession. It has been suggested that Governor and Mrs. Christopher Gore of Massachusetts, while on a diplomatic mission to London, ordered the service for President Jefferson as they ordered an identical one for themselves with the initial G. With many thanks to Becky McGuire, Christies, New York for her research. This specific pair of pots-de-creme has a history of descent in the family of Thomas Jefferson Coolidge of Boston. Both pieces in fine condition, measuring 3″ tall. Circa 1800-1810.

A fine piece of Chinese export Transitional/Kangxi period porcelain decorated in underglaze blue with a charming scene of three young children frolicking in a landscape as their mother proudly looks on. Beautifully potted, painted and glazed quality typical of this period. The marked silver top most likely Dutch and a later addition, complimenting the fine blue decoration, and allowing for what probably was a baluster vase to be transformed into a very impressive tea caddy. Measuring 8″ tall and in very good condition. Transitional/Kangxi period, circa 1640-1660.

A very beautiful Chinese export porcelain 9″ lotus-form dish decorated in Famille Verte enamels with a central scene of flowering peony amongst rockwork, the theme continued on a smaller scale filling each lotus petal panel around the rim of the dish.  We have had these dishes with the design painted in underglaze blue many times over the past years but this is the first example we’ve enjoyed in this striking color palette. Measuring 9″ across, and with two pieces out of the rim of restored perfectly, otherwise fine condition. Circa 1700-1710.

A beautifully rendered example of this well-known design-this Chinese export porcelain 8″ plate is decorated in underglaze blue with a scene from the “Riot of Rotterdam”.  As the story goes, a magistrate of the city passed an especially cruel and excessive verdict upon a local miscreant for a crime. So outraged were the citizens of the city over this miscarriage of justice that they rioted, attacked the magistrate’s house, and razed it to the ground. This act of public defiance to overbearing injustice became famous and was widely reported throughout Europe, the Dutch even struck a medallion to commemorate the action and it is from this medallion that the design for the plate was most likely taken. This is the first European historical event that is rendered upon a piece of Chinese porcelain. Dating to the Kangxi period, in very good condition, circa 1695-1700.

A beautiful Chinese export porcelain armorial platter and mazzarene, measuring 13″ x 16″, finely hand-painted in vibrant Famille Rose enamels with courtly Mandarin scenes, both scenes centered at the top with the Grant coat-of arms, and both with an outer border with elaborately rendered flowers and butterflies. Made to delight and impress with its richness, from a service most likely made for Sir William Grant who married in 1811. Illustrated and discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, vol. I, page 1002. In very good condition, circa 1815-1820.

With a rather rare American ship decoration, this fine  Chinese export porcelain punch bowl is centered front and back with a hand-painted image of a three-masted  frigate or sloop flying what is referred to as a Jack Flag with a navy blue ground with gold stars. This flag was flown on our ships from 1777 until 1916 and designated the presence of an ambassador or minister of the diplomatic corps on board. This bowl has a mate in the Reeves Collection and is illustrated and discussed on page 212 of Thomas Litzenburg, Jr.’s book Chinese Export Porcelain in the Reeves Collection at Washington and Lee University. Measuring 10 1/4″ in diameter and dating to circa 1795. Two lines and restoration.

A very fine pair of Kangxi Chinese export porcelain tea bowls and saucers, decorated in underglaze blue “penciled” designs, each piece laid out in stylized lotus petal panels, each panel with a tree and flower silhouette-all “penciled” in with lattice cross-hatching. Exquisitely thinly potted, with only very minute rim nibbles, very good condition, the saucers measuring 4 1/2″ in diameter.  Circa 1690.