An especially fine Chinese export porcelain 9 1/2″ censer, decorated in a deep underglaze blue with a continuous classic Chinese landscape scene running about its exterior all rendered with a great facility of brushwork. Measuring 6 1/2″ tall by 9 1/2″ in diameter and in very good condition; this exemplary piece dating to the Kangxi period, late 17th century and, once in the Frankel Collection.
A fantastic group of eight Chinese export porcelain 6 1/4″ dishes excavated from the world famous Ca Mau Shipwreck. The treasure trove of mostly Yongzheng period ceramics sank off the coast of Malaysia in about 1725, the resulting sale at Sotheby’s in Amsterdam in 2007 caused an international sensation. We are pleased to offer here not only eight blue and white decorated dishes from that sale, but the sale catalogue as well-in itself now, a collector’s item. The dishes are all decorated with a flowering peony branch and fence pattern and are in good condition for having sat at the bottom of the sea for about two and a half centuries; there are minor accretions to the surface, but, for the most part they all present beautifully. Not all eight dishes pictured, please write or call for more images. Circa 1725.
A striking pair of superb quality Yongzheng period Chinese export porcelain 13 1/2″ chargers, decorated in a vibrant underglaze cobalt blue, each with a central scene of courtly ladies strolling in a garden outside of a scholar’s studio, most likely drawn there by his playing a stringed instrument, the guzheng, while his attendant sits on the floor by the desk, enjoying an errand free moment, and his master’s music. The entire scene finely painted, with much detail, within a diapered cavetto with reserves of antique and precious objects, the outer border edged with the “Three Friends of Winter” -bamboo, prunus and pine, symbols of strength and endurance. Very good condition. Yongzheng period, circa 1720-1725.
A very handsome Chinese export porcelain Imari charger with a finely painted central design of a richly bountiful branch of pomegranates, the image accentuated by the use of the porcelain ‘white space’ within which it floats, all surrounded by finely rendered diapered cavetto and rim border with scrolling foliate and latticed reserves. Minor rim frits, but otherwise beautifully painted and in good condition, with the added bonus of a custom made hanger on the reverse making it ready for wall display. Circa 1720.
A fine form, this lovely Chinese export porcelain handled cup and saucer was made for the American market, well-rendered with a variation of the eagle from the Great Seal of the United States supporting a shield with a bouquet of flowers within a roundel of gilded stars, a star-studded halo behind his head; a gilded swag border completes this Federal period design. The cup measuring approximately 3″ tall, the saucer 51/2″ in diameter. Some wear to the gilding. Circa 1800. $575.00
Two Chinese export porcelain eagle-decorated plates, made for the American market, each bearing a variation of the design for the Great Seal of the United States. One supporting a shield from a bespoke service inscribed with the monogram JH, the other with a shield decorated with a floral bouquet. each design with a gilded swag border, so typical of the Federal period. The monogrammed plate in good condition, the other with some crazing. Both 7 1/2″ in diameter. Circa 1800. Priced individually.
A pair of very elegant Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain rosewater sprinklers, the beautifully-glazed attenuated forms decorated in underglaze blue with a scrolling stylized lotus design, and capped with finely reticulated and etched silver caps, most likely Dutch, and assumed to be of a later date. These silver mounts were often used to not only accentuate the porcelain, but sometimes to help cover up breaks and flaws, but evidently not in this case, as the mounts are removable and there is no evidence of any damage or restoration. Measuring 8″ tall and in remarkable condition and of superb quality. Circa 1690.
A fine Chinese export porcelain breakfast-sized teabowl and saucer made for the American market, bearing a finely rendered sepia and gilded-detail eagle, taken from an early version of the Great Seal of the United States, supporting a shield with a floral bouquet with a star-studded halo behind his head, encircled with a ring of stars, the rim edged with a gilded swag border. The teabowls measuring 4 1/2″ in diameter, the saucers 6″. In good condition, with only minor wear to the gilding. Circa 1800.
A charming Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period teapot, decorated in Famille Rose enamels with finely hand-painted peony and foliate roundels in reserve against a densely painted flowering and scrolling foliate ground. A very elegant color palette, typical of the refinement one finds in Yongzheng pieces of the period. Measuring 4 3/4″ tall and with a minor restoration to the cover, otherwise very good condition. Circa 1735. $2800.
A really fine Chinese export porcelain teaset, made for the American market, each piece hand-painted with a sepia and gilt eagle, based upon an early version of the Great Seal of the United States, supporting a shield with a gilded floral bouquet, a star-studded and radiating halo behind his head, and encircled with a ring of stars. Each piece edged with a gilt swag border. Comprising a lighthouse-form coffee pot; a drum teapot; a covered sugar bowl; a helmet creamer, and covered tea caddy; along with a pair of breakfast-sized teabowls and saucers as well as a pair of handled coffee cups and saucers. Some slight wear to the gilding and a minute line at the base of the coffee pot’s spout, otherwise in great condition and a fantastic example of a Federal period teaset displaying the owner’s pride in our new Republic. Circa 1800.
An especially beautiful Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period armorial plate centered with the Arms of Sichterman, featuring a squirrel in profile on a gilded shield surmounted by a crown crest, the rim delicately decorated with flowering branches and Chinese pavilions and centered at the top with a squirrel crest. This is one of eight services with some variation of these arms. This one in particular was ordered by Jan Albert Sichterman (1692-1742) who served the Dutch East India Company in both Bengal and Batavia, making a vast fortune and achieving much success. Fully illustrated and discussed in Kroes’ Chinese Armorial Porcelain for the Dutch Market, page 128-129. Very good condition, circa 1730.
A particularly fine example of a rather rare pattern, this fine Chinese export porcelain 7 1/2″ plate is hand-painted in the very desirable Raspberry Fitzhugh design, centered with a gilded landscape roundel and cavetto vine border. Fitzhugh was produced in only seven colors and this is one of the rarer renderings of this design. Very good condition. Circa 1800.
A very fine pair of Chinese export porcelain early Yongzheng period chargers, decorated in a brilliant underglaze cobalt blue, each with a central scene of courtly ladies in a garden outside a scholar’s pavilion while he is seated within playing a guzheng amongst his scholarly objects and incense burner, his attendant waiting by his desk. All within a diapered cavetto with reserves of scholarly and antique objects, the rim painted with depictions of the “Three Friends of Winter”-pine, bamboo and prunus-symbols of resilience and endurance. Measuring 13 1/2″ in diameter and in very good condition, with the exception of very minor rims frits. Circa 1720-1725.
A fine grouping of 19th century Chinese export porcelain made for the American market. Decorated in the Rose Medallion pattern, these pieces are from a dinner service ordered by Samuel P. Carter of Tennessee (1819-1891) who was posed to China in the 1850s. Carter enlisted after graduating from Princeton. He was made a Lieutenant in 1855 and in 1856 assisted in the capture of the barrier posts at Canton. He became a hero in the Civil War having been made a Brigadier General and leader of the Tennessee Volunteers in 1862. He left the army in 1866 as a Major General, and then joined the Navy achieving the rank of Rear Admiral in 1882…one of the only Americans to achieve this dual distinction.
A charming 6 1/2″ Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain melon-form vase, decorated in underglaze blue with branches of flowering peony and prunus running up its ribbed body, an artemesia leaf mark on the foot. Circa 1690. $475.00
A rather “bells and whistles” Chinese export porcelain armorial charger made for the Belgian market bearing a flamboyant central family arms supported by two rampant lions, specially-ordered for Jacobus-Gerardus de Knyff who was created a Knight of the Holy Roman Empire in 1719 by Charles VI, Emperor of Austria. Decorated in famille rose enamels with rich additions of gilt and silver overlay. This was a lavishly expensive service in its day, meant to impress…as it still does today with its beauty and quality. Measuring 13″ in diameter and in very good condition. Circa 1730.
Just a little gem, this fine 6 1/4″ bowl was just meant to be held and appreciated for its rich glaze and beautifully painted panels of floral decoration rendered in vibrant underglaze cobalt blue. Of molded form with each panel representing alternating images of lotus and peony. The reverse with a nice six-character mark within a double-ring circle. Small chip to the foot-rim a very few, very minute, rim frits, otherwise in very good condition. Kangxi period, circa 1690.
A very fine pair of Chinese export porcelain shell-shaped armorial dishes, bearing the Arms of Seton-the fourth of five bespoke services made for this family! Most likely ordered by one of the brothers of John Henry Seton, 6th Baronet, as they were all involved with the English East India Company. Sir Henry was involved in the Peninsula Wars and was later a Groom-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria. This service, finely decorated with central Mandarin scenes within floral and butterfly borders, is illustrated in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. II, page 674, and we are grateful to Angela Howard of Heirloom & Howard for her research. Measuring 9 1/2″ x 9″ and both in good condition with the exception of one small chip filled. Circa 1820.
A very charming Chinese export porcelain miniature ewer, decorated in under glaze blue with a lobed body meaning to resemble lotus petals, each panel painted with a ‘Long Eliza’ holding a blossom, alternating with panels of blossoming peonies, the spout, rim, and cover with later decorative silver mounts. Measuring 5 1/2″ tall, with a line to the body sealed and a small chip to the foot rim, otherwise good condition. Circa 1690.
A rare and unusual set of six Chinese export porcelain 8″ plates, decorated in the famille rose palette with vibrantly enameled courtly scenes, each plate depicting a different vignette as Mandarins in finely detailed robes move through scenes without any borders, the images rendered as paintings on porcelain without the usual confines of an encircling frame. What is as remarkable as the quality of the painting and unusual presentation is the fantastic condition of the pieces-six plates in very good condition with only a 1/2″ rim line on the reverse of one. Circa 1820.
A very refined Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period molded lotus-form bowl, decorated in underglaze blue with a rim painted with images of ‘The Eight Immortals’, above a lower register of lotus petals, each rendered with alternating floral motifs, the interior rim with a stylized floral diapered border, the bottom with a central image of an Immortal seated upon a cloud. Other than a few very minor rim frits to the barbed rim, the piece is in excellent condition. Measuring 6″ in diameter and dating to circa 1690.
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An especially fine Chinese export porcelain teabowl and saucer of rare octagonal form, very finely painted in famille rose enamels with courtly Mandarin scenes and with a very richly detailed floral border against a gilded ground. Very good condition, great form and decoration. Circa 1820.
A really fine example of a Chinese export porcelain Fitzhugh-patterned plate decorated in green and sepia enamels. This perennially popular hand-painted pattern comes in about seven colors or varying rarity, in addition to those, are equally rare two-color designs such as the example here. Outside of a few minor rim chips filled, this piece is in excellent unworn condition, with vibrant, detailed enamels. 9″ in diameter,. Circa 1820. SOLD
A very beautiful pair of Kangi period Chinese export porcelain saucer dishes, decorated in underglaze blue and very finely rendered with a central landscape in the “Master of the Rocks” style, freely painted with great spontaneity, all within a “penciled” border of stylized lotus with a shaped rim. Finely painted and potted; one with two line sealed, and both with rim frits filled, otherwise good condition. Measuring 8″ in diameter and dating to circa 1690.
A fine example of a Chinese export porcelain wash basin and guglet, decorated with Mandarin scenes in overglaze Famille Rose enamels, along with landscape vignettes and ‘bird-on branch’ motifs all within various underglaze blue foliate borders and with gilded highlights…a rather luxurious item indeed, with which to wash and shave! Some very slight enamel wear, otherwise excellent condition. The guglet 9 1/2″ tall, the bowl 10″ in diameter. Circa 1770-1780.
This elegant Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain punch bowl is decorated in Famille Verte enamels with alternating panels of flowering branches of peony and prunus, the panels resembling lotus petals, the interior similarly decorated within a diapered border with floral reserves, and beautifully presented on its own finely carved hardwood stand . Measuring 12″ in diameter and with two lines sealed, otherwise very good condition. Circa 1700-1720.
A very desirable form and a very popular design, this Chinese export porcelain shell-shaped dish is decorated en grisaille with the classic “Quaker and Cow” pattern and highlighted with gilded detailing. The original design purportedly comes from a drawing by Mary Hollingsworth Morris of Philadelphia and several services in sepia, black and green were produced. Measuring 9″ x 10″ and in good condition with only one small chip filled and very minor re-touch to the gilding. Illustrated in Schiffer’s China in America, page 172. Circa 1810. HOLD
A very lovely Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period plate decorated in famille verte enamels with an elegantly balanced central design of lotus (the symbol of purity) issuing from the water, the rim with peonies and bamboo leaves on a stippled green ground alternating with floral sprig reserves. Measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter and in very good condition. Kangxi period, circa 1700-1720.
975.00
A wonderfully sculpted pair of Chinese export malachite figures of phoenixes, beautifully detailed and set upon a pair of purpose built finely carved openwork wood stands. The phoenix traditionally the symbol of the empress in China, it also is a symbol of union as it’s name incorporates the meaning for male and female. It is fitting, then that these figures are carved of malachite as it stands for balance in a relationship. The stone is very hard and difficult to work and so to achieve this level of detail demonstrates quite a level of mastery from the artist. Measuring 10″ tall on their carved stands, they are in good condition with the exception of two small chips to the feather. 19th century.
A classic Chinese cloisonne bowl finely decorated with an overall floral design-including peony, prunus and chrysanthemum, using an exceptional range of vibrant enamels all set off by the use of a gilded bronze rim and foot, as well as gilded wire separating the cells of enamel. Measuring 6″ in diameter x 2 1/4″ tall and in good condition. Dating to the late Qianlong/Jiajing period, circa 1780-1820. Formerly in the collection of James Graham, the James Graham Gallery, New York,(1915-1991).
An exquisite example of Yongzheng period porcelain, this fine Chinese export soup plate is decorated in famille rose enamels with an elegant scene of courtly ladies on a garden terrace within a richly gilded scrolling foliate border, the outer rim edged with a soft turquoise diapered border with small reserves containing further foliate decoration which is both gilded and silvered. The balanced composition and the soft pastel palette typify the refinement achieved during this period. Measuring 9″ in diameter and dating to circa 1730. Outstanding quality and condition.
A very fine Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period lotus -shaped dish, decorated in underglaze blue with a profusion of chrysanthemums and peony issuing from rockwork, surrounded by lotus-petal-shaped panels, each decorated with vignettes of various flora and fauna. Well-painted and with a nice rich glaze, measuring 9″ in diameter and in very good condition with only two very minor frits to the edge. Circa 1690.
A charming pair of Chinese export diminutive scholars’ screens, each with an elaborately carved frame and stand, inset with a “dreamstone” a thinly cut cross-section of veined stone, often resembling impressionistic landscapes, intended to be placed upon a scholar’s desk for contemplation and meditation. Measuring 10″ x 6″; one with a small line to one of the stones, and both with some very minor lines to the stands. Early 20th century.
A very charming Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period diminutive teapot of melon form, decorated in underglaze blue with flowers, insects and rockwork. Measuring 4″ tall x 5 3/8″ wide and in very good condition, a later silver chain connecting to cover to the handle broken at present, but a very simple repair. A great form and reminder of how costly and exotic tea-drinking was at the beginning of the 18th century. Kangxi period, circa 1690-1700.
A couple of beautiful little pieces of workmanship, this pair of diminutive round covered jade boxes are finely crafted and bear the Qianlong mark incised on the reverse of each. The painstakingly hand-polished surfaces are indicative of Imperial shop workmanship, the aesthetic and design spare in order to showcase the time and talent it took to create these near -perfect little objects. There is no extraneous details or flourishes to distract the eye from the simple beauty of the form and material. Measuring 2″ x 1″ and bearing the Qianlong mark (1736-1796) and in very good condition. Ex-collection of the James Graham Gallery, N. Y. (1915-1991).
A very fine and rare form, this charming Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period teapot is a real tour-de-force of the potter’s art. With its double wall construction with the outer wall with meticulously hand-cut reticulation in a honeycomb pattern, and then beautifully hand-painted (even behind the reticulation!) in underglaze blue, this piece defied the odds of getting through the firing process, and surviving several centuries, still amazing and delighting us to this day. Measuring 6″ x 6″, it is in a classic wine pot form, with only restoration to the spout and loss to the enamel on the handle restored; unbelievably, the reticulation appears in good order. The gilded silver mount a later addition. Kangxi period, circa 1690.
A charming and finely made Chinese export Yongzheng tea bowl and saucer, decorated with two horses trotting through a landscape with mountains in the distance and the much revered peony blossoming in the foreground. Thinly potted and vibrantly enameled with the personality of each horse just beaming. The tea bowl 2 1/2″ in diameter, the saucer 4″, both in fine condition. Circa 1735.
A very fine Chinese export porcelain Qianlong mark and period flared rim bowl with a deep cobalt monochrome exterior, the interior very well painted with stylized lotus and scrolling foliate ‘pencil’ decoration. Measuring 7 1/2″ in diameter and in very good condition with a clear, fine mark to the base. 1736-1795.
A really charming Chinese export porcelain figure of a rabbit with a rather engaging crooked smile! Measuring 6″ x 5″ Restoration to ears . Late 18th/ early 19 century. A very animated and amusing addition to any collection!
A charmingly whimsical Chinese export porcelain famille rose teapot modeled with two exuberant Foo Lions-one forming the spout, the other the handle-resting upon a brilliantly enameled body with reticulated bosses resembling lotus blossoms and the whole topped by a matching cover upon which perches a crowing cockerel, the entire surface is covered with color and pattern. Objects such as these fired the craze for all things exotic in mid-18th century Europe and this would have been the height of fashion gracing some lady’s tea table, besides it simply being an amazing example of the Chinese potters’ abilities. Measuring 6 1/2″ tall x 5 1/2″ wide, with minor restoration to the cover, and the foo lion’s tail; otherwise in good condition. Circa 1740-1750.
An especially fine pair of Chinese export porcelain soup plates exquisitely hand-painted in the famille rose palette and epitomizing the refinement for which this period is so well known. Each centered with an image of a pair of pheasants perched upon rockwork amongst a profusion of flowering peony, the cavetto with an abundant, gilded grapevine border, and the rim with minutely rendered puce landscapes in reserve alternating with further flowering branches, a gilded scrolling foliate border edging the plate. Measuring 9″ in diameter and in very good condition. Circa 1735.
Two very handsome Chinese porcelain bombe form censers with deep cobalt blue monochrome exteriors. Measuring 4 1/2″ in diameter and in excellent condition, one bearing an old Bluett/London collection sticker. 17th century. ( These do vary slightly in size)
A very finely rendered pair of Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain plates bearing a Chengua mark, decorated in underglaze blue with a central dragon motif within an outer wave border decorated with prunus blossoms, the reverse just as beautifully decorated with a scrolling stylized lotus border within a ‘penciled’ ruyi rim, the central mark within two circles. Measuring 6 1/2″ in diameter, and in very good condition.
An especially beautiful Chinese export porcelain plate beautifully painted with two pheasants perched on rockwork amongst flowering branches of peony and prunus, the outer border positively dripping with heavy-laden vines and branches of multi-colored grapes with jewel-like enamels sitting proud of the surface. Traditionally the golden pheasant is symbolic in Chinese culture of beauty , good fortune and refinement and is often used on rank badges to signify nobility. Measuring 9″ in diameter and in very good condition. (some stacking wear retouched) Yongzheng period, circa 1730-1735.
A very fine Yongzheng, Chinese export porcelain plate decorated in famille rose enamels with a classic design from this period depicting a cockerel perched upon rockwork amongst flowering peonies. The fine potting, rich glaze, and vibrant enamels which sit proud of the surface are typical of the quality of porcelain produced during this period. Measuring 9″ in diameter and in excellent condition. Circa 1735.
A very rare Chinese export porcelain diminutive model of a concubine’s shoe, decorated in famille verte enamels. In very good condition, measuring 3″ x 4 1/2″, with a beautiful glaze, and a truly rare survivor! Circa 1700-1710.
An exquisitely modeled pair of Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period famille verte libation cups, whimsically decorated with figures of dragons at the handle and spout. With only a short sealed line and minor frits and edge losses restored, these charming little pieces of a sculpture are in otherwise good condition, measuring 2 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ and dating to circa 1700-1720. SOLD.
An especially finely painted Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer made for the American market, each piece decorated with a figure of HOPE and her anchor within an ermine-mantled shield. Most likely made for a prominent merchant or sea captain from the rather maritime state of Rhode Island whose state seal depicts the same figure. Very small frit to the rim of the tea bowl, otherwise both pieces in excellent condition. The saucer measuring 5 1/2″ in diameter, the tea bowl 2″ tall. From a very prominent collection of China Trade American market porcelain. Circa 1790-1800.
A very elegant form, this beautifully enameled Chinese export porcelain armorial compote is decorated in famille rose enamels with Mandarin scenes in reserve against a background of flowers and butterflies, the same motifs filling a rim border that is centered at each crest with a finely detailed armorial roundel bearing the Arms of Seton. This is the fourth of five services made for this family, most likely ordered by one of the brothers of Sir Henry John Seton, 6th Baronet, who were all involved with the British East India Company. Sir John Henry served in the Peninsular War and was a Groom-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria. Measuring 6 1/2″ tall x 13″ x 7″ and in very good condition with the exception of minor wear to the gilding. The interior scene especially beautifully rendered. Discussed in Howard’s Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. II, page 674. Circa 1820.
A really refined pair of Chinese export porcelain reticulated covered chestnut baskets, decorated in famille rose enamels with gilded highlights with elegant floral bouquets and borders. The form and decoration almost certainly after European designs of the period, and the reticulation, painstakingly hand cut from the leather hard clay before firing. It is amazing that these fine pieces survived intact with their original undertrays. Excellent condition, measuring 6 1/2″ tall, the undertrays 9 1/2″ across. Circa 1780-1790.
