A very elegant Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period covered jug, with a molded body of lotus petal-shaped panels decorated with ‘Long Elizas’ and images of potted flowering plants, the neck with exuberant lotus blossoms and leaves and the cover with a delicate branch of flowering peony, the brilliant white porcelain and cobalt blue decoration set off beautifully with gilt silver mounts connecting the handle and the cover.  Measuring 6″ tall x 5″ and in very good condition with the exception of a small restoration to the tip of the spout.  A lovely object with a rich tactile glaze. Kangxi period circa 1690.

A very finely made pair of Chinese export porcelain covered rice bowls and under dishes meticulously hand-painted in the Sepia Fitzhugh pattern and highlighted with gilt enamel, each piece unusually signed with a six-figure Chinese mark within a square.  The rendering of this elaborate pattern is of the highest order and the condition of these pieces is very good with only the most minimal of wear and no apparent restoration. The saucer under dish measuring 5 3/4″ in diameter, the bowl 2 1/2″ in diameter and 4″ tall.  Circa 1810-20.

A very impressive piece of Chinese export porcelain, this large pistol-handled chocolate pot is a spectacular tour-de-force of decoration, hand-painted with two very elegant Mandarin scenes within oval reserves as well as smaller fan-shaped floral vignettes all against a dazzling gilt latticework ground.  Almost certainly from a bespoke service, this was some of highest quality porcelain one could order from Canton during this period – this group of gold ground wares frequently referred to as Palaceware, for obvious reasons. This is a large size and a rare form measuring 9 1/2″ tall by 9″ handle to spout. There is a small restored chip to the rim of the cover and a small area of rub to the shoulder of the piece, otherwise, remarkably, the handle and spout seem intact and the scenes and latticework as fresh as they were when they were painted. Circa 1795.

From our collection of Chinese export porcelain made for American Market we are pleased to offer these very finely painted 8″ luncheon plates in the Sepia Fitzhugh pattern, each with a central rounder with the initial  H from a bespoke service made for U.S. Naval Captain John Dandridge Henley (1781-1835) who served both in the Barbary War and the War of 1812. He was born in Williamsburg, Virginia and was a nephew of Martha Washington. One with the slightest spot of stacking wear, otherwise superb condition and a great example of from our early republic’s naval history with founding of Norfork, Virginia, Naval Base.  Circa 1820.    $1150.ea

A beautifully decorated pair of Chinese export porcelain mugs finely hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels and gilding with courtly Mandarin terrace scenes, along with landscape and bird vignettes amongst scrolling floral vines. It is important to note the detail of these pieces as the scenes are rendered within raised cartouches and the floral designs are in relief as well, all against a very finely scrolling gilded ground. Quality of this level is an immediate precedent to the well-known Palaceware and Rockefeller patterns which appear in the decade following the production of these mugs.  Measuring 5″ tall and in very good condition.  Circa 1785. pr.

A very desirable Chinese export porcelain covered pot-de-creme finely hand-painted in the Sepia Fitzhugh pattern, made for the American Market and specifically Gabriel Henry Manigault (1789-1834) of Charleston, South Carolina. Gabriel’s younger brother, Charles Izard Manigault, traveled to Canton and the Far East between 1817 and 1823 and it was during this time that he ordered two services – one for his brother and one for himself.  Gabriel’s service, seen here, bears his initials within a belted roundel with a Latin motto that translates to “It is better to anticipate than avenge” which is surmounted by an Native American crest.  There are several American market services ordered for prominent families in this Sepia Fitzhugh pattern around this 1820 period, and all bear this spectacular level of quality of painting.  Many bespoke services were for families in the New England and mid-Atlantic states; this is one of the far rarer examples with a specific Southern connection.  Illustrated and discussed in Schiffer’s China for America, pages 56, 61. Measuring 3 1/4″ tall x 3 1/2″ wide and in very good condition.

A very charming Chinese porcelain yellow-glazed scholar’s brush washer or water pot with a finely modeled brown-glazed dragon writhing along one side. Even in its simplicity of design, the piece is well-molded and detailed, and would have adorned a scholar’s writing table as one of the accoutrements of the intelligentsia. Water pots or brush washers for the scholar’s use tend to be of round form; this one of square form is somewhat unusual, and, in remarkably good condition. Measuring 2″ high by approx. 2 1/4″ square. Kangxi period, late 17th century.

Truly one of the finest examples of Sepia Fitzhugh we’ve had, this pair of meticulously hand-painted pudding dishes is even more remarkable for their American  connection as they are from a service made for Captain John Dandridge Henley (1781-1835) an officer in the United States Navy who served with distinction in the First Barbary War and the War of 1812. He was born in Williamsburg, Virginia and was a nephew of Martha Washington’s, hence his appointment as a midshipman by President (and Uncle) George Washington in 1799. Centering this beautiful rendition of the Sepia Fitzhugh pattern is a central medallion with the monogram H.  With only the slightest of stacking wear, otherwise fantastic condition.  Measuring 8″ in diameter and dating to circa 1820.

A fine example of a 19th century Chinese export porcelain dinner service made for the American Market with a Presidential association as it is known that a large fish service was ordered for President and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant comprising fish-decorated dinner plates and platters.  The service was hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with an elaborate floral and butterfly Rose Canton style border, each plate centered an image of large fish with luminous scales in blues, greens and turquoise. Described and illustrated in New York and the China Trade, page 134, and examples of the service are in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum.  Measuring 9 3/4″ in diameter with only very minor stacking wear and rim roughness otherwise very good condition.  Circa 1879.

A really beautiful pair of Chinese export porcelain Famille Rose-decorated reticulated saucer dishes, each centered with a classic design of exotic birds amongst blossoming peony and rockwork, all within a reticulated border painted in a mottled design (perhaps in imitation of tortoiseshell?) All together very elegantly designed typical of the refinement of the mid-18th century. Measuring 8 3/4″ in diameter and one in very good condition, the second with a bit of the rim and reticulation nicely restored. Mid-18th century.

A very beautiful version of the American eagle on Chinese export porcelain, these superb American market saucers are centered with finely hand painted sepia eagles taken from the seal of the state of Rhode Island, each noble bird with a halo of golden stars is clutching a banner in its beak inscribed “In God We Hope” and supports a shield with an anchor (also a symbol of Hope) as well as the trumpet of Fame. Very good condition with only the slightest of wear, measuring 5″ in diameter and dating to circa 1800-1810.  These objects are great examples of the pride and confidence of our early republic.

A very nice Chinese export porcelain reticulated oval serving dish hand-painted with a riverscape view of the “Folly Fort” at the entrance of the Pearl River, known as Bocca Tigris,  leading up to the port at Canton. After months of at sea, this would have been one of the first landmarks China traders would have seen marking the end of their arduous journey and the beginning of their trading season at the factories of Canton.  A very interesting view of the early China Trade, sometimes also appearing in paintings of the period.  Measuring 9 1/4″ x 11 1/2″.  In very good condition with the exception of a little stacking wear and enamel retouch.  Circa 1790-1800.

A truly impressive 18 1/2″ Chinese export porcelain platter and mazzarene decorated in vibrant Famille Rose enamels with richly detailed Mandarin court scenes; the platter with a scene of a great noble, or perhaps the Emperor himself, seated in a portico with attendants while noble personages are lined up to pay court; the mazzarene with a less decorous scene depicting a grand meal on a garden terrace with a guest sitting on the floor…perhaps one two many “libation cups”?  Note the attention to detail with the servants and dishes of food. Both pieces edged with lush garden imagery with fretwork fences, birds, flowers and butterflies.  Very good condition. Circa 1800-1810.

An absolutely exquisite Chinese export porcelain Kendi decorated in Famille Rose enamels and hand-painted with richly dressed courtly figures upon a garden gallery and terrace, the landscape continuing around the vessel with a profusion of peonies, flowering prunus and chrysanthemums amongst rockwork. The floral motif continues as well around the shoulder with a collar of peony and gilded scrolling vines beneath the neck also with peony branches.  A perfectly shaped form with a pronounced flaring mouth, representing some of the best painting of the late Yongzheng/early Qianlong periods – note the detail of the robes, and the small rabbit on the gallery with the attendants.  Measuring 8 1/2″ tall and in excellent condition. Circa 1740-1745.

A fine Chinese export porcelain 5 1/2″ saucer made for the American market, centered with a sepia eagle supporting a red-striped shield beneath a radiant halo of gold stars. Originally part of a complete tea service ordered by a patriotic citizen of our new Republic, circa 1800-1810.  The saucer with a small rim flake filled to the reverse along with a firing line to the rim with an associated glaze line, otherwise a great addition to an American market collection with a superbly rendered American eagle after an early version of the United States.

A very fine example of Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain decorated in the Famille Verte palette, this elegant flared bowl with a barbed rim is beautifully painted with alternating molded panels of flowering branches of peony, prunus, and chrysanthemum along with birds and butterflies, the floral motif continued on the interior, the overall effect light and joyful.  Measuring 4 1/2″ tall x 9″ in diameter and in very good condition with the exception of minor rim frits filled.  Circa 1700.

A fine and rare Japanese Arita porcelain charger decorated in the Dame au Parasol pattern after designs by Dutch artist Cornelius Pronk.  Versions of this pattern were done in both Japanese and Chinese export porcelain and it was always cause for a bit of speculation why the Dutch East India Company commissioned a Dutch artist to produce primarily Chinese-themed designs to be rendered by Asian decorators onto Asian porcelain to be sent back to the Netherlands?!  Either way, the wares proved too costly to produce and the project eventually abandoned, leaving a rare example of one of the few known European artists to have supplied original designs to the Chinese and Japanese porcelain makers.  This fine example measures 12 1/2″ in diameter and is in very good condition with the exception of a small rim chip to the reverse restored. Mid 18th century.

A beautiful pair of Chinese export porcelain octagonal form plates decorated in Famille Rose enamels each centered with a scene of a Mandarin family upon a garden terrace either in late autumn or winter as the leaves are off the willow and the pine tree supports the only garden greenery.  Also note the affluent family are all bundled up against the cold – the father with a fur jacket, the mother with a fur collar and even the child has fur cuffs on his robe.  Furs were a status symbol and much sought after; furs and sealskins were in fact one of the few commodities the Chinese were interested in trading for with Western supercargoes. Each scene is surrounded by an elegant gilded rococo border with landscape vignettes. The plates measuring 8 1/2″ and are in very good condition. Qianlong period, third quarter of the 18th century.

A handsome Chinese export porcelain strap-handled drum teapot decorated with a sepia eagle with gilded details supporting a shield beneath a halo of stars. Based upon an early version of the Great Seal of the United States. Measuring 9″ x 5 1/2″. The original owner’s gilded initials worn away, but otherwise in very good condition.  Circa 1800-1810.

A generously sized Chinese export porcelain strap-handled tankard, made for the American market centered with a hand-painted sepia eagle supporting a floral-decorated shield beneath a halo of gilded stars, taken from an early version of the Great Seal of the United States.  With only a 1/4″ line to the rim, otherwise superb original condition. Measuring 5 1/2″ tall and dating to circa 1800.  $1,150.00

A very handsome pair of Chinese export porcelain 11″ saucer dishes, painted in vibrant cobalt blue with classic riverscapes all within hand-cut reticulated borders. The use of white space particularly effective with these images.  Both in very good condition, the second dish presently having very minor rim glaze losses filled, so image not available at this time.  Circa 1800.

A very impressive display of the potter’s art, this  elegant Chinese export porcelain 8″ openwork fruit basket is finely crafted and decorated in Famille Rose enamels centered with a bird on a flowering peony branch, the overlapping circular reticulation rendered as a faux finish – perhaps to resemble tortoiseshell? With only a small repair to the edge of the rim and one of the circles of reticulation – otherwise in fine condition and a rare survivor. Bearing an old collection sticker from Matthew and Elisabeth Sharpe. Circa 1750.  $3,800.00

A rather unusual Chinese export porcelain oval platter and mazzarene decorated in Famille Rose enamels in the Rose Medallion pattern with its charming vignettes of Mandarin scenes and birds and flowers against a densely hand-painted floral and butterfly ground. This was an enormously popular pattern in the 19th century and many services were produced, but this is one of a group of  special bespoke services, special-ordered with a family motto and crest.  What is particularly unusual is that this one bears the crest unassumingly on the reverse of the pieces decorated. The motto PRENEZ-GARDE was used by several families, primarily MACINTOSH of Scotland, but there also is a distinct possibility that this service has an American connection as this motto was also used by the Scottish RICKARD family whose descendant William Rickard emigrated to Newfoundland and then on to America where he became a noted chemist and metallurgist. In very good condition, being some of the best quality Rose Medallion produced and measuring 16 1/2″ x 13″ and dating to circa 1870.  Pictured in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. II, page 702. $1,700.00

A handsome Chinese export porcelain lighthouse form coffee pot decorated in Famille Rose enamels with Mandarin figures in a landscape, the pot and cover edged with a rich floral border with a gilded ground, the cover surmounted by a gilded leechee nut finial. Very good condition and a fine form for one’s collection, rather rare as we mostly have seen teapots in this decoration.

Measuring 9 3/4″ x 9″ . Circa 1820.

This Chinese export porcelain plate is decorated with a vibrantly blue enamel border dotted with flower heads encircling a rich central image in the Chinese taste of the Eight Immortals. Measuring 9 1/2″ in diameter and in good condition with only a minor restoration. A rather rare border pattern. Circa 1820.

A lovely rare pair of Chinese export porcelain beaker or sleeve vases, decorated front and back in Famille Rose enamels with images of a parrot perched upon a rather elegant swing clutching a cherry sprig. The painting after designs by Dutch artist Cornelius Pronk who was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company to create designs to be translated on to Chinese export porcelain; a rare instance where we actually know the artist of a design on export porcelain. Measuring 9 1/2″ tall and in very good condition with the exception of some slight discoloration to the porcelain ground, original to the firing of the pieces. One vase sprayed to the interior for aesthetic purposes and easily removable. Minor refresh to enamels of one parrot. Otherwise an elegant pair of Pronk vases. Circa 1750.  $4,800.00.

An especially fine Chinese export porcelain molded peony plate, decorated in beautifully nuanced Famille Rose enamels, the front covered with three lush peony blossoms, the reverse revealing the underneath of the blossoms with stems and leaves, all in molded relief. The peony is a revered flower in Chinese culture, a symbol of nobility, wealth and prosperity. Dating to the late Yongzheng/early Qianlong reigns, circa 1735-1750 and bearing an old dealer sticker from Matthew and Elizabeth Sharpe. In very good condition with only a small rim chip to the reverse, hardly noticeable and easily remedied. In our forty years of dealing, we have never seen one of these plates.

A really pleasing palette of Famille Rose colors helps make this charming pair of Chinese export porcelain tea bowls and saucers so appealing. Each piece is centered with a Mandarin scene of a scholar at his table with attendants while being approached by a supplicant bearing a goose. The general theme to this story is that the scholar was a legendary calligrapher who took inspiration from watching the movement of geese and the marks they left when padding about the ground. The supplicant, wishing to be trained by the master here offers him his finest goose in hopes of being taken on as a student. The scenes are finely painted within a light turquoise latticework border with with animal vignettes. This story was used to decorated some of the fine Rockefeller and palaceware services of the 1790s-early 1800s. Good condition with only a small rim chip to one restored, and the second with a faint hairline (easily restorable) to the tea bowl. Circa 1800-1810.

A rather rare form, this Chinese export porcelain scalloped edge chamberstick served as a salesman’s sample of sorts as it is finely decorated and gilded with four separate border patterns and a monogram in order to display to potential clients and supercargoes what were some of the latest styles available from the talented decorators at the Chinese potteries. Very few of these survive, Historic Deerfield has an example of a pot-de-creme. Very good condition. Circa 1800.

A pair of meticulously hand-painted Chinese export porcelain dinner plates rendered in the Sepia Fitzhugh pattern, in very good condition with only the slightest of stacking wear. The Fitzhugh pattern originated around 1785 and this popular design went through a range of versions in different colors, the Sepia dating to circa 1820.

A very unusual form in Chinese export porcelain, this wonderful 7 1/2″ blue and white candlestick is clearly based upon European metal forms of the late 17th century – even modeled with the little slit to insert a knife in order to pry out expired candle stubs. Nicely decorated with prunus blossoms and other foliate and decorative motifs. Evidence of glaze crazing and losses, but otherwise in very good condition and bearing the collection sticker of Matthew and Elizabeth Sharpe. Circa 1690-1720.

A finely painted Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer decorated en grisaille, the saucer with a central image of the Reverend Petrus Boudaan of Amsterdam (1666-1734) along with his coat-of-arms all within a scrolling gilded border, the same motifs repeated around the tea bowl. The Reverend was a highly regarded preacher in Amsterdam, a member of the City Council and Director of the VOC Chamber. This tea bowl and saucer was part of a commemorative service ordered by the Reverend’s son after his death and copied from a period engraving of the preacher.  It is a remarkable tribute as well to the talented Chinese decorators who could so easily replicate an engraved image with a painter’s brush. Very thinly potted and in good condition with only slight stacking wear and wear to the gilding on the saucer. Similar examples in China for the West and the Mottahedeh Collection. Circa 1740-45.

A very impressive Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain ewer decorated in Famille Verte enamels with a central design featuring a bird perched upon a flowering branch beneath the mask of a bearded man which looks down from under the ewer’s spout, the floral motif continues throughout the piece within decorative bands of lappet borders. This sort of form was taken directly from French silver forms of the period as many important silver objects were melted down to help pay for the ruinously expensive wars of Louis XIV. Fine imported Chinese porcelain was then ordered as replacements for the melted silver wares and became the new benchmark of luxury and status. This wonderful ewer was used for ablutions at the banquet or dressing table, or occasionally to pour wine and was made in two sizes, this one being the larger of the two. Measuring 10 1/2″ x 9″ and with only glaze losses restored to the handle, small loss to the mask;s nose, and a restoration to the edge of the spout, otherwise very good condition, a magnificent example of French baroque silver brilliantly interpreted in Chinese export porcelain. Late 17th/early 18th century.

A vibrantly enameled Chinese export porcelain 8″ plate decorated with a central Mandarin boating scene within a very richly painted outer border of birds, butterflies, and flowers against a gilded ground. The scene appears idyllic enough, but the story goes that courtesans often operated these boats of pleasure as we see here with a lovely lady seductively playing a stringed instrument while a family’s boat is passing by and a young man’s attentions are aroused by the music as his father beckons him from within their boat to pay no heed.  Very good condition. Circa 1820. $675.00

A rather rare pair of Chinese export porcelain Famille Rose wall pockets, modeled in the form of cornucopia with floral decoration and Mandarin figural borders, and mounted in a fine pair of English Regency gilded bronze sheep’s head mounts. Small restorations to the rim of the pockets, but otherwise good condition and bearing old collection stickers for Matthew and Elisabeth Sharpe. Late 18th/early 19th century.

A great form for any collection, this early Chinese export porcelain Transitional period ewer is finely painted in underglaze blue with a continuous landscape scene featuring two attendants carrying things to their master, a scholar who reads taking his leisure in a garden. Please note the stylized tulip – a rare item at this time in the West – which decorates the neck of the piece adding to its exotic appeal. The form most likely taken from Middle Eastern metal vessels. Measuring 7″ x 6″ and in good condition with only a small restoration to the end of the spout and minor glaze losses commensurate with its age; covered in a rich, beautiful glaze. Mid-17th century.

An unusual coloration for this very popular Chinese export porcelain Fitzhugh patterned plate, its intricate hand painted design colored in with a wash of lime green enamel. This pattern comes in a variety of colors ranging from the most common, blue, to some of the rarest – raspberry, black and yellow. This lime color is surely on the rarer end of the spectrum as we seldom come across an example; we speculate that possibly only one dinner service of this color could have been made as we’ve seen so few examples over the years.  Measuring 9 1/2″ in diameter and in unusually fine condition with only a small chip restored.  Circa 1825.

A really fine Chinese export porcelain 12 1/2″ charger, decorated with a central design of flowering peony branches – the symbol of wealth and nobility -rendered in Famille Rose enamels and gilding within a gilded spearhead border, the cavetto and rim wonderfully painted with a grained faux bois ground against further peony branches.  The faux bois conceit masterfully rendered and continued on the reverse; similar patterned designs can later be found on European porcelains. Very good condition, early Qianlong, circa 1745. The reverse exhibiting some fine old collection stickers.

A very charming and auspicious Chinese export porcelain diminutive brush washer in the form of a frog decorated in a turquoise glaze and set upon a later custom carved wood stand. Along with their obvious association with water, frogs (and toads) symbolize wealth and prosperity and an object such as this was part of the accoutrements that would have graced a scholar’s table, perhaps given as a gift and a wish for prosperity and success upon graduation from his official exams. Measuring 3″ long and in very good condition with only a minor glaze lost to one of his small feet. Early 18th century.

A very attractive Chinese export porcelain footed cachepot, decorated in Famille Rose enamels with leisurely Mandarin figures and their attendants within a continuous landscape. The top edge of the pot bordered with a band of delicately rendered flowers. Measuring 3″ tall x 5″ in diameter.  In very good condition. Circa 1820.  $850.00

A fine Chinese export porcelain 10″ soup plate, decorated in Famille Rose enamels with a central Mandarin scene of a kneeling supplicant before an obviously important official on a rather grand garden terrace with marble steps overlooking a river in the background. The richness of detail continues in a full floral and butterfly border with gilded edging. The color and detail in these imaginative hand-painted pieces never ceases to catch the eye – note the well-rendered marble stair and the official’s detailed rank badge. Very good condition. Circa 1820.

A very special Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer made for the European market, thinly potted and bearing a finely rendered image of Moses Amongst the Bullrushes – almost certainly taken from a European engraving of the period. This grisaille-decorated ware, sometimes called ‘Jesuit ware’, often carried such images, both religious and secular, and we have often handled nativity and crucifixion scenes and portraits of Calvin and other religious leaders, but this is the first time we’ve seen a image of the baby Moses amongst the bulrushes.  In addition, we are pleased to have an example in such near pristine condition.  The saucer measuring 4″ in diameter, the tea bowl 3″.  Circa 1745. 

A really fantastic pair of Chinese export porcelain plates in the classic, much-sought-after Tobacco Leaf pattern, brilliantly painted in this exuberantly floral and foliate pattern. With so much of the surface covered in overglaze enamels one usually expects all manner of wear, but these two 9″ dinner plates are the exception – they are in great condition, with only the most minimal of retouch to any previous stacking wear. Circa 1760-1780.

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.