It is not often that we are able to find Kangxi period vases of such impressive size and quality.  Measuring 21″ tall these baluster form covered vases are beautifully potted and painted, with a rich, buttery glaze and an intense cobalt blue that exemplifies the best porcelain of this golden age of blue and white. The bodies are decorated with panels, resembling lotus petals, with classic images of birds amongst flowering branches issuing from rockwork, the barbed rim covers with further petal-shaped panels filled with more flowering branches, all topped with lotus bud knops. These are just the type of fine objects that fired the craze for Chinese porcelains from Het Loo to Kensington Palace. Condition: once drilled for lamps, now filled, otherwise superlative quality! Circa 1690.

Although examples of the Blue Fitzhugh pattern are numerous, this is an extremely unusual form for this, or any other of the Fitzhugh color palettes.  These scalloped-form dishes measure 9 1/2″ x 6 3/4″, are in excellent condition and date to the early 19th century. Striking deep blue color and a very pleasing form!

Available after April 25th.

A superb example of Chinese export special-order porcelain made for the Dutch Market, this famille rose plate is centered with the Arms of Holland depicting a central shield with a rampant lion holding a sword and a sheaf of seven arrows for the seven provinces of the Netherlands, crowned and supported by a pair of lions above a foliate cartouche monogramed VOC for the Dutch East India Company, the rim inscribed in iron red with the Dutch Republic’s motto: CONCORDIA RESPARAVAE CRESCUNT, and the date 1728. In excellent condition and bearing both the Sotheby’s sale sticker from the famous 1985 sale, as well as the collection sticker from the Mottahedah Collection. 9 1/8″ in diameter.

Available after April 25th.

A beautiful pair of Chinese export porcelain Yongzheng period soup plates, decorated in underglaze blue and white with a central image of an exotic bird flying over a flowering peony, the cavetto painted with images of fish and crayfish in reserve against a diaperwork ground, and the rim alternates with images of flying birds, flowering branches and paddling ducks; perhaps imagery suggesting earth, sky and water?Measuring 8 1/2″ in diameter.  Small rim frits to one, the other with a very small V-shaped chip and associated line to the reverse and firing line to foot rim, but great color blue and rich glaze typical of this period. Circa 1730. $475.00 the pair.

Another fine example of Chinese export porcelain for the American market, representing, once again, the very active involvement of Philadelphia in the China Trade, in particular, the Thomson family.  This handsome Sepia Fitzhugh soup plate is from a service ordered by Richard Renshaw Thomson, and bears his initials. The son of prominent Philadelphia merchant Edward Thomson, Richard was in Canton acting as his father’s agent, and later became U.S. Consul to Canton from 1822-1824. He was replaced in that post by his younger brother, John Renshaw Thomson, an example of whose service we also have (see Item #4462). Measuring 10″ in diameter, and in excellent condition.  Circa 1820-24.

Available after April 25th.

A very nicely painted Chinese export porcelain handled coffee or chocolate cup made for the American market, featuring a ship with sails furled, flying two American flags. Great enamels, minor restoration to rim.  2 1/2″ tall.  Circa 1790-1800.

Blue Fitzhugh Cider Jug with strap handle, 9-1/2″. Chip to spout repainted.

#3456

Meticulously carved ivory netsuke.  Inlaid eyes.  Length 1 1/4″ x H: 1″. Japanese Meijii period.