Two famille verte biscuit models of pyramids of lychees. China, Kangxi
Each modeled as a tiered pyramid of clustered lychees rising from a fluted circular base, the fruits realistically rendered with their distinctive textured skins in green, yellow, and aubergine enamels, interspersed with green leaves. The pyramids are arranged in three ascending registers, surmounted by a single large fruit at the top. The naturalistic modelling and […]
A pair of famille verte lotus water droppers. China, Kangxi
Naturalistically modeled in the form of a lotus leaf and seedpod, each water dropper is formed with a bowl from the upturned leaf. The piece is decorated in famille verte enamels on the biscuit, the exterior and interior covered in translucent green, while the tops of the seedpods are picked out in aubergine. A long […]
A very rare and large wall vase depicting a court lady riding a horse. China, Qianlong
This finely modeled porcelain figure depicts a Chinese court lady riding a horse, decorated in famille rose enamels. The elegant rider is dressed in a richly decorated robe adorned with multicolored floral motifs and bordered with geometric patterns. Her delicate face, with serene expression and finely drawn features, is framed by an elaborate coiffure adorned […]
A very large Chinese famille rose relief-decorated bowl. Yongzheng period
The bowl, finely decorated in famille rose enamels and relief carving, is decorated with a dense green geometric ground of interlaced trellis pattern, interrupted by four circular medallions. Each medallion contains a delicately painted floral composition, including peonies, chrysanthemums, and butterflies, symbolizing prosperity and longevity. The upper border is molded in shallow relief with a […]
A pair of Chinese grisaille and gilt royal portrait plates (Frederick V & Louise of Denmark-Norway). Qianlong period
The two circular plates have rounded cavettos and wide rims, decorated in grisaille and heightened in blue enamel and gold. In the centre of the first plate is a circular medallion depicting the three-quarter length portrait of a royal figure. On one plate, Queen Louise of Denmark-Norway is shown dressed with an ermine collar over […]
A Chinese armorial tea caddy for the Dutch market (De Witt / van den Bergh). Yongzheng
The tea caddy is decorated in rich enamels with a finely rendered Chinese mountain-and-water landscape, showing pavilions, trees, and rocky peaks in delicate brushwork and vivid colors. At the center of the main side appears a circular armorial roundel, more boldly painted than the surrounding scene. Within, on a greyish-black (oxidized silver) ground, are three […]
A famille verte sweetmeat dish. China, Kangxi
Finely potted and shallow with a stylised bat outline and notched rim, the dish is enamelled on the biscuit in the famille verte palette—translucent greens with egg-yolk yellow and aubergine, all outlined in black. The recessed well depicts four horses grazing and resting beneath a pale sun or moon amid drifting clouds. A broad border […]
Three famille verte sweetmeat dishes. China, Kangxi
The set comprising a hexagonal dish and a matched pair of pentagonal, roof-shaped dishes, enameled in the famille verte palette with black-ground reserves (so-called famille noire), Each interior presents a green dragon coiling among flames and clouds in pursuit of the flaming pearl, the scene set within a recessed black cartouche and enclosed by a […]
A pair of famille verte / noire sweetmeat dishes. China, Kangxi
Each small, shallow dish is of five-sided house/roof outline with slightly flared sides and a flat rim. The interior is centred by a glossy black panel painted with a lively, scaly dragon in yellow and green enamels, writhing among flame and cloud scrolls and confronting the flaming pearl. The panel is framed by a broad […]
A pair of turquoise-glazed Buddhist lions joss-stick holders. China, Kangxi
Modelled as recumbent Buddhistic lions, heads facing left, their open mouths revealing their fangs and tongues, with whiskers, mane, and tails molded in naturalistic curls, set on a rectangular base, and with a cylindrical joss stick holder at their back.