A particularly attractive Chinese export porcelain 7 3/4″ Mandarin plate decorated in Famille Rose enamels with an elegant courtly scene of figures upon a garden terrace, a lady a distinction seated in a tree root chair surrounded by her attendants. The border richly hand-painted with a swirling dragons amongst chrysanthemum blossoms, highlighted with gilding. Very good condition. Circa 1820.

A charming Chinese export porcelain square form Canton teapot decorated in underglaze blue with classic Chinese river scenes and surmounted by a stepped ‘pagoda-roof’ form finial. Measuring 4 1/4″ tall x 6 1/2″. Very good condition. Circa 1840.

A great form, this charming pair of Chinese export porcelain covered sauce tureens are vibrantly painted in famille rose enamels with courtly Mandarin scenes edged with rich flower, bird and butterfly borders, the handles and finials highlighted with gilding. Measuring 8″ x 6″ and in good condition with the exception of one handle having been restored.  Circa 1820. Always great to have a pair!

A spectacular pair of Chinese export porcelain beaker form vases of impressive size decorated in the famille verte palette with a central band of dragon roundels  edged with a lappet border all against a very finely painted peony and foliate scrolling iron red ground, the rim and foot completed with further intricate verte ground lappet borders. Very good condition considering their age, obviously much appreciated and cared for over the centuries. Measuring 17 1/2″ tall. Dating to circa 1700-1720.

A lovely 7 3/4″ Chinese export porcelain plate, decorated in Famille Rose enamels with a pair of courtly figures in a landscape, the outer border painted with vignettes of deer, dragons, waterfowl and butterflies. Very good condition, and dating to circa 1820.

From a service special-ordered for American patriot Edward Carrington, this very handsome Chinese export porcelain lighthouse form coffee pot proudly carries a hand-painted sepia rendering of an eagle derived from an early version of the Great Seal of the United States, each piece bordered with an exquisitely detailed grapevine border, most likely after English porcelains of the period.

An especially fine pair of Chinese export porcelain ‘Pronk’ baluster form vases, decorated in a soft blue with elegant renderings of fritillaria and butteflies. Measuring an impressive 12 ” tall, these elegant vases are modeled after designs by Dutch artist Cornelius Pronk who was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company to create designs for Chinese export wares in the 1740s, one of the rare instances where we can actually identify a specific European artist. Losses to some areas along the edged restored, otherwise, very good condition. Circa 1745.

A very attractive and very decorative pair of Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain 12″ covered garniture vases of spiral molded form with panels of peony and prunus  decoration hand-painted in brilliant cobalt blue. Pairs and sets of vases such as these were highly sought-after in Europe at the time and were considered essential to any fashionable interior; Queen Mary of England herself encouraging the mania for blue and white with her collections at Kensington Palace.  Restoration to the finial of one vase, otherwise very good condition. Circa 1690.

A very fine Chinese export porcelain part tea set made for the American market, each piece hand-painted with a central image of an eagle supporting a striped shield beneath a halo of stars all within a delicate gilded Federal period style border. The image derived almost certainly from an early version of the Great Seal of the United States.  Comprising a lighthouse form coffee pot, a helmet creamer and covered sugar bowl, as well as a slop bowl and four tea bowls and saucers.  Good condition with only a few hairlines sealed and the gilding refreshed. Circa 1800.

A really fine group of three Chinese export porcelain  Kangxi period lobed dishes, beautifully decorated in underglaze blue with birds and insects amongst branches of peony within the lobed rim divided into panels also painted with the peony motif. The form inspired by European silver forms of the period. Measuring 8 1/4″ in diameter, richly glazed and in very good condition, dating to circa 1690. Priced individually, 7371A at the top of the group photo; 7371B at the lower left; and 7371C at the lower right.

A very interesting snapshot into daily life, this fine pair of Chinese export porcelain soup plates are decorated a very active fishing scene with two men in a boat, and another man on shore struggling to pull up a large net with their catch, the drama of ordinary life quietly being observed by a lady watching them from a terrace door in the background. A great design with a wonderful use of the white space of the porcelain, unconfined by border patterns, the scene unfolding across the entire expanse of the plate. Very good condition, and measuring  8 3/4 ” in diameter and dating to circa 1740.

A very handsome and very useful Chinese export porcelain flared rim jardiniere of impressive size, and, equally impressive decoration, hand-painted in Famille Rose enamels with a continuous scene around the exterior depicting a lavish scene of dignitaries arriving through a garden gate to a bustling terrace where a person of some obvious rank and importance and his attendants overlook the scene below, a marvelous garden pavilion to the right nestled amongst pine and rockwork. The rim border painted with flowers and butterflies. Measuring 8 1/2″ tall x 11″ in diameter and in very good condition with only glaze and rim chips to the edge of the rim and to one foot which would barely be noticeable when the piece was planted with your favorite orchids! Otherwise, beautifully painted with rich, vibrant enamels. Circa 1810-1820.

A beautiful service and a great form, this attractive Chinese export porcelain footed compote is very finely hand-painted with a central landscape roundel with an outer border of fruits and flowers rimmed with a gilded feather edge. From a attractive service made for prominent merchant Mordecai Lewis (1749-1799) of Philadelphia who was active in America’s China Trade from the very beginning. Before the founding of the Republic his sympathies were staunchly for the colonies, and despite being a Quaker, he joined one of Philadelphia’s militia companies. Measuring 8 1/2″ high x 12 x 8″  and in good condition with only minor wear to the gilding. Circa 1795. Examples in the collection of the Peabody Essex Museum, and discussed in Philadelphians and the China Trade, pages 100, 103.

A very fine pair of Chinese export porcelain shaped dinner plates made for the Indian market, painted in Famille Rose enamels with a central scene  of a Mahout riding an elephant, the image within a shaped roundel in reserve against a beautifully painted bianco-sopra-bianco floral ground, so carefully rendered it almost resembles lace. Measuring 9 1/4″ in diameter, and in very good condition with only very small spots of stacking wear. Mid-later 18th century.

Surely this is from a special order, “one off” tea set, this charming little Chinese export porcelain tea bowl is decorated with a figure of a woman leaning on an anchor, looking out at a departing ship with a caption overhead plaintively reading “He is Gone”.  The image of a woman leaning upon an anchor is the symbol of Hope, and is on the Rhode Island state flag as that state was so actively engaged in the maritime trade. Circa 1790-1800.

A very elegant pair of Chinese export porcelain 7 1/2″ bowls  decorated in sepia and gilding in a very neoclassical design with a central classical urn and borders of entwined ribbon and floral swags. From a service belonging to Thomas Willing (1731-1821) of Philadelphia, a prominent merchant, delegate to the Continental Congress of 1775-1776, and first president of the First Bank of the United States. Though he voted against issuing the Declaration of Independence, he later donated five thousand pounds to the American revolutionary cause. Both pieces in good condition and a great expression of Federal period style.     The major portion of this service is at Bayou Bend in Houston, Texas  .Circa 1800-1810.

A rather striking Chinese export porcelain five piece garniture of impressive size and presence, decorated in underglaze blue with classic Chinese landscape scenes rendered within raised panels set against a ‘chicken skin’ ground which was created by hand-application of the finely dotted ground, all highlighted with gilded detailing. This was a lavish and time-consuming set to create at the time. Note how the silhouettes of the forms compliment each other. Considering that sets such as these were precariously placed upon chimney pieces or on top of high chests, it is remarkable what fine condition this set remains in with only one small rim chip filled to the lip of one vase. Measuring 11 1/2″ tall and dating to circa 1760-1770.

A very finely painted pair of Chinese export porcelain plates decorated in famille rose enamels with “The Doctor’s Visit” design after original images commissioned by the Dutch East India Company from Dutch artist Cornelius Pronk. The unusual outer border comprised of fish within shaped and scaled lozenges which alternate with vignettes of water fowl. The fish theme continues within the central scene as two of the seated characters are actually each holding a fish. What this has to do with a “doctor’s visit” we cannot profess to say as this design has simply always been called that and the origins are now lost. What is remarkable though, besides the fine painting and wonderfully refined color palette, is that a Dutch artist was commissioned to create patterns for Chinese porcelain, featuring Chinese images, that were sold back to the Dutch market! An exemplary pair with only the most minor issues; one plate with a chip filled, the other with a hairline sealed, otherwise beautiful! Measuring 10″ in diameter. Circa 1745. Priced individually.

A very elegant Chinese export porcelain slip-decorated hexagonal form garden seat decorated with fine branches of flowering peony and prunus with birds and butterflies raised in white relief against a soothing celadon green ground. Measuring 19″ x 14″ and in very good condition. A handsome and useful addition to most any room. Late 19th/early 20th century.

One of a graduated set of three fine platters we have from this exquisitely produced Chinese export porcelain dinner service, hand-painted in famille rose  enamels with a central courtly Mandarin scene of figures on a terrace, encircled within an orange, sepia and gilt border of equally fine quality. Measuring 10″ x 13″ and in excellent condition. Jiaqing period, circa 1795.

A fine and rare couple of Chinese export porcelain figural candleholders fashioned in the form or court ladies each holding a lotus blossom, richly decorated in vibrant famille rose enamels, their lavish flowing robes designed with auspicious bats amongst clouds and peony blossoms  against a prunus and cracked ice ground, both ladies with capes of exotic peacock feathers. Figures such as these fed the European mania for all things Chinese and exotic and would have been part of any rich and fashionable interior of the time. Measuring 12″ tall and with restoration to the hands and lotus blossoms of both, as well as some minor re-touch to the edges of one lady’s robes, otherwise in good condition. Mid-18th century.

Pictured here are five of a fine and rare set of eight Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period famille verte plates. Each is finely potted and decorated with a large flowering branch of the auspicious peony, the “Queen of the Flowers” and a symbol of nobility and wealth, then encircled within a outer cavetto ruyi border, and the rim edged with a foliate band with further peony blossoms. Measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter. One with a small spider crack and associated line, and one or two with very slight stacking wear, otherwise the group remains in very fine condition indeed considering their age; Kangxi period, circa 1700-1720. Makes for a very impressive and brilliant display!

A very elegant pair of Chinese export porcelain plates, made for the American market, in particular from a special order service made for the Chew family of Philadelphia, each centered with a gilded star monogrammed with a “C”. The Chew family were active and very prominent participants in the life of Philadelphia- practicing law, presiding over courts, involved with the American Revolution and the Continental Congress, and later becoming very wealthy China traders. They built the beautiful manor house of Cliveden in Germantown, PA which still stands today.  Their rich history with Pennsylvania is discussed in Philadelphians and the China Trade 1784-1844. The plates measure 8″ in diameter, are in very good condition and date to the very early 19th century.

$1150. each

A pattern we always seek out is this beautiful service that always has wonderful Mandarin scenes well rendered in famille rose enamels within a very rich border of flowers and butterflies against a rich, gilded ground. This must have been a one-off special order service in its day and is an excellent example of the luxury of the private trade in the early years of the 19th century. Measuring 7 3/4″ in diameter, slight stacking wear to one, otherwise in very fine condition; circa 1810.

From several pieces we have from this fine service, this exquisitely rendered Chinese export porcelain platter is decorated in famille rose enamels with a scene of courtly figures on a terrace within a meticulously painted orange, sepia and gilt border. Measuring 7 3/4″ x 10 1/2″ and in excellent condition. Circa 1795.

A truly exceptional Chinese export porcelain 13 3/4″ dish charger decorated in vibrant famille verte enamels with a central scene of two birds amongst flowering peony, the border with elaborately decorated alternating panels of floral and landscape vignettes and exotic creatures and mythical beasts. Note the calligraphic ease and facility with which these characters and decoration are rendered; truly a design you can get lost in! Very good condition with only minor rim roughness to the glaze. Kangxi period, circa 1700-1720.

An especially fine example of the potter’s art, this Chinese export porcelain tea bowl and saucer is decorated in underglaze with both double wall and reticulated construction. This was, and remains today, a tour-de-force in porcelain production with hand-cut open work designs along the saucer’s edge as well as a honey-comb pattern cut into the outer wall of the tea bowl. If that were not enough, the inner wall of the tea bowl behind the reticulation is also hand-painted. This utterly remarkable piece typifies the quality of porcelain, glaze and sheer artistry of the Kangxi period artisans, and it is no wonder why it was referred to as “Ling-Lung” or “Devil’s Work” due to the amount of time, talent, and patience it took to create it. It is in surprisingly good condition with only one small ‘spoke’ missing from the roundel on one side of the tea bowl restored, otherwise, just a truly lovely object.  We have had several tea bowls over the years, but this is the first time we’ve ever had a tea bowl with a saucer.  Saucer 5 1/4″ in diameter, the tea bowl 3 1/4″ in diameter. Kangxi, circa 1690.

A rare Chinese export porcelain tea caddy decorated in Famille Rose enamels with a scene of a European couple depicting a rather surprised looking gentleman in a flowing black cloak presenting a basket of flowers to a rather exposed lady with a very undone bodice. The sides of the caddy with scrolling foliate and floral designs, the shoulder and cover equally well-painted with diaperwork and peony reserves, finely done probably in imitation of Canton enamel work. This was obviously part of a special order tea set given it’s subject matter and theme; one can only imagine the looks of the guests when tea was served! The rarity of the piece is attested to by the array of collection stickers on the bottom, having once belonged the Martin Hurst, Hodroff and Mottehedah collections. Measuring 4 1/4″ tall x 3 1/4″ wide and in good condition with only restoration to the cover.   Some black enamel re touched. A version of this image is depicted in Hervoet’s book Les Porcelaines des Compagnies des Indes a Decor Occidentale where they date it to the Yongzheng period, circa 1735.

A beautiful Chinese export porcelain soup plate decorated in Famille Rose enamels with a gilt Du Paquier style border, hand-painted with a central scene depicting a reclining female holding a cornucopia beneath garlanded trees full of fruit gesturing towards a background with a shepherd and his flock and a thriving town in the distance. Beside her on the ground recline a chubby child happily gorging himself on fruit as well as a once threatening lion, now dozing and docile with contentment. The image almost certainly alludes to the blessings of Plenty and the peace that brings, and most likely taken from a European print source of the period. Measuring 9″ in diameter and in very good condition.  Circa 1735.

A rare and beautiful set of Chinese export porcelain 8 1/2″ plates, each finely hand-painted with various exotic fruits, flowers, butterflies, and insects. Rendered with a precision that makes one consider them having been painted after some sort of botanical engravings or prints of the period. There are multiples of some, each in very good condition with only re-touch to the gilded border. Absolutely spectacular mounted as a set on a wall or in a cabinet.  19th century. Priced individually at $775.00 each. Ex-Nelson Rockefeller collection.

A nice early piece, this Chinese export porcelain Transitional period bowl is decorated in underglaze blue with a charming ‘Basket of Flowers’ design. Measuring 5 1/4″ in diameter and in very good condition. Circa 1640.

A truly striking Chinese export porcelain 11″ plate, decorated in the famille verte palette with a central image of a peacock on rockwork amongst a profusion of blossoming peonies, prunus, and chrysanthemums; the vibrant display of floral color continues around the border, beautifully balanced, yet full of movement. Very good condition with only one very small rim chip filled, otherwise just stunning. 11″ in diameter, artemsia leaf mark on the reverse;  Kangxi period, circa 1700-1710.

A really fine pair of Chinese export porcelain ‘Governor Duff’ plates, elaborately hand-painted in the Imari palette and made for the western market, decorated with the central image of a European couple walking with their dog through a Chinese garden, all within an ornately rendered foliate border interspersed with ‘antique’  and scholarly objects. Purportedly this is based upon an image of the Dutch governor of Batavia and his wife, but there is no conclusive evidence bearing this out. Either way, they are early and important images documenting Europeans in the Far East, beautifully decorated and in great condition. Measuring 9″ in diameter. Circa 1730.

A fine pair of Chinese export porcelain teapots, of a little larger size than one usually sees at this period, decorated in the Imari palette of underglaze blue, iron red and gilding, hand-painted with branches of peony and chrysanthemums, a ruyi border around the lids which are decorated with prunus sprigs. Very good condition and measuring 4 1/4″ x 7″ and dating to circa 1730. Ex-Chait Collections.

A good example of Chinese export porcelain made for the American market, this 6 1/4″ plate is neatly rendered en grisaille with gilded highlights with a central scene of George Washington’s Mt. Vernon within a grapevine rim border. This particular piece was part of a large tea and coffee service ordered by Captain Daniel Bacon (1787-1856). He was a prominent Boston merchant and ship master out of Barnstable, Massachusetts, he was one of the first to recognize the importance of clipper ships, one his his most notable vessels being the Game Cock. Services such as these were ordered in the early years of the 19th century, part of a cult of mourning and patriotism after the death of George Washington. The somewhat naive image of Mt. Vernon was most likely taken from an 1803 print by Samuel Seymour, based upon a painting by William Birch. Minute glaze line in the cavetto sealed, otherwise very good condition with only slight wear to the enamels. Circa 1810-1820.

A rather rare Chinese export porcelain covered cider jug with double strap handles, made for the American market and extensively decorated with Masonic emblems, a central sunburst roundel beneath the spout inscribed with the letter ‘G’, the foo-lion topped cover and rim both with a richly rendered grapevine border. Fantastic detail and condition.  Virtually identical, or most likely a mate to, the one featured on page 209 of the book Philadelphians and the China Trade 1784-1844 where they describe it as having belonged to the “Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania”.   A great example of early American and Masonic history, as well as special order China Trade porcelain. Early 19th century.

A very rare Chinese export porcelain 8 1/2″ plate hand-painted in the rare and sought-after Yellow Fitzhugh pattern. Since its creation around 1785, the Fitzhugh pattern was produced in a variety of colors, and combinations of colors, and yellow seems to have been one of the more rarely created colors due to its difficulty in firing. This fine example, with only rim frits filled, is from the  Hodroff Collection. 19th century.     $6500.

A very beautiful and early pair of Chinese porcelain ewers, finely hand-painted in underglaze blue with images of lotus, chrysanthemum and branches of ‘Buddha’s Hand’ fruit-a symbol of happiness, good fortune and longevity. The form most likely after a European silver shape. A great form and size, approximately 9″ in height, and in very good condition considering their age with only a minute chip to the rim filled, and with an especially fine provenance having once been part of the great Hodroff Collection from which they dated these to circa 1660, though we think it a bit earlier.

A really handsome and unusual Chinese export porcelain part teaset, made for the American market, hand-painted en grisaille with gilt details. The decoration finely rendered depicting an ‘Altar of Hymen’ surmounted by a classical urn and swags inscribed with  the gilded initials JB. To the left in the background, floats a ship flying an American flag, the ship’s name ARAB proudly emblazoned across the stern. To the right of the altar is a maritime shield with an anchor upon which is perched a pair of lovebirds and beneath the shield the gilded initials LB. Surely this was a special order service, certainly from the ship’s captain and most likely some sort of commemorative for a marriage with the Altar of Hymen and lovebird themes being incorporated into the design. The ship ARAB was registered in 1806 in Salem, MA and was captained by one John Barton (1774-1818) who as a shipowner, shipmaster, and merchant became wealthy trading with Europe, South America and the East and West Indies. For a virtually similar piece see our Item #7345, a tankard, which does not have the inscribed ship’s name or lovers’ initials, so, interestingly this was a stock pattern which could be ‘specialized’. Circa 1810. PIECES PRICED INDIVIDUALLY: Teapot, sugar bowl, berry dish, teabowls, handled cups and saucers available. TEAPOT SOLD, teabowl/saucer – $750. , berry bowl – $450.,  sugar- $250.

We are grateful to our friends Sandra and Charles Cluthe for their research on these pieces.

A very fine maritime-themed Chinese export porcelain double-strap handled tankard, decorated en grisaille with gilded detail, depicting a ship flying an American flag, an ‘Altar of Hymen’ with classical urn and swags and a maritime shield with an anchor upon which perch two lovebirds.  This appears to be a stock pattern that was available to China Traders in the early 19th century as we also have a part teaset, Item #7344, that has the same design, but personalized with initials and the ship’s name. This tankard incorporates a bird crest, possibly taken from a coat-of-arms. Either way, a great piece of early maritime China Trade history, in very good condition, measuring 5″ tall, and dating to circa 1800.

A charming pair of Chinese export porcelain candle holders modeled as a pair adorable recumbent pug dogs. Finely modeled faces and detailed fur help make these figures’ characters especially amusing. Measuring 9″ x 10″ and with restoration to the ears of both dogs as well as candle nozzles, otherwise the figures in good condition. 19th century.   $4200.

A rather striking pair of finely wrought Chinese export silver gilt filigreed tea caddies with enamel decoration. Of lobed form covered in a fine mesh ground, with each lobe decorated with a brilliantly enameled flowering branch with perched birds amongst blossoms and berries of inset colored hardstones, the covers surmounted with a fanciful filigreed knop.  In extraordinarily fine condition with only the loss of one small hardstone ‘berry’, otherwise just beautifully done, the enamels of the finest nuance and shading. Measuring 7″ tall.  20th century.

One of the more attractive of the several versions of this pattern, this handsome pair of Chinese export porcelain plates was definitely made for the American market, each decorated with a central image of the Arms of New York state, the outer floral border heightened with a gold wash border. Measuring 7 3/4″ in diameter and in very good condition, dating to circa 1800-1810.   $1250. eacg

A very fine and elegant Chinese export porcelain ladies’ spittoon or ‘cuspidor’, decorated in famille rose enamels with flowers and butterflies-a truly extravagant luxury from the 18th century when imported Chinese porcelain was a huge and expensive status symbol. In very good condition and measuring 3″ tall x 4″ square. Mid-18th century.  $ 1850.

A very fine and rather rare form, this Kangxi period Chinese export porcelain punch pot is exquisitely decorated in vibrant Famille Verte enamels with a profusion of flowers amongst rockwork, cockerels, insects and butterflies. This is a large size form for this early a period, as well as having a rather unusual mark in underglaze blue on the bottom of the piece resembling a ‘G’, possibly the mark of a private trader? Measuring 7 1/4″ x 9 1/2″ and with the exception of a line to the body of the piece, it is in fine condition with superb decoration. Circa 1700-1720.

Very finely potted and painted Chinese porcelain saucer dish, decorated in underglaze blue in the Chinese taste centered with an image of a peach tree growing from the side of an ocean cliff, the branches heavy with fruit, as bats fly around them above the waves. The bats a symbol of happiness and the peaches of longevity, most likely a piece made to wish someone a long life of happiness, perhaps a birthday gift? Beautifully decorated on the reverse as well and centered there with a Yongzheng mark, most likely 19th century. Measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter and in very good condition. $5,200.00

We have never seen this form before-a rare pair of Chinese export porcelain figures of birds, modeled as finches perched upon rockwork, each supported by a small flowering branch. Nicely detailed and well-painted with Famille Rose enamels. One appears to have its rockwork base broken and re-glued along with other small losses commensurate with age. Charming and rare forms. 18th century. $5,200.00

A very fine Chinese export porcelain covered cider jug with double strap handle, decorated in famille rose enamels with courtly Mandarin scenes below a richly and elaborately decorated border, the same motifs repeated on the cover and surmounted by a foo lion finial, all with gilded details. One scene appears to present an elegant lady with her attendants upon a terrace about to depart on a journey with her luggage and weary bearer, and a wheel chair ready for her, while the other scene represents  another terrace view with a flurry of activity surrounding the arrival (or departure?) of a mounted messenger bearing a letter of some obvious importance in his hand. With an imposing presence, measuring  11 1/2″ tall and 9 1/2″ wide, this beautifully hand-painted piece has two small lines to the body and one to the spout, all sealed, and the foo lion finial appears to have had some small restoration as well, otherwise,  in remarkably fine condition with bright, vibrant enamels. Circa 1820. $2,900.00

A very refined Chinese export porcelain 15″ charger, most likely made for the French market, and displaying an imaginative combination of Chinese and European design motifs with a central scene of a Chinese lady seated upon a terrace with a child set within a distinctly European scrolling foliate surround surmounted by what appears to be a noble coronet of an armorial crest. The western scrolling foliate motifs continue in the cavetto and outer rim, alternating with images of peacocks flanking floral cartouches (of what appears to be sunflowers?) on the outside border. An elegant balance is achieved between all this decoration against the white ground of the porcelain, making this an especially pleasing piece. Small chip to the reverse, otherwise very good condition, and awaiting its next noble home. 15″ in diameter. Kangxi period, circa 1700.