Posts Tagged ‘glazes’

19th Century English Staffordshire Porcelain

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Staffordshire factories
The “Five Towns” of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Hanley, Tunstall, and Longton, in Staffordshire, were home to many pottery and porcelain factories during the 19th century, to the extent that the area became known as the “Potteries”. Because workers and designers moved from one factory to another, and factories supplied the same china dealers – few factories had their own shops –many shapes and patterns were very similiar. These china shops wanted the continuing patronage of their customers and so discouraged manufacturers from using any kind of factory mark. As a result most English porcelain of this period was sold anonymously and is very difficult to identify accurately.
MASS PRODUCTION
By the 1820s the recipe for bone china was no longer a secret; the ingredients were easy to obtain, and many new factories opened in Staffordshire making fine, affordable wares. Different factories copied each other, making similar pastes and glazes and nearly identical shapes. Pattern numbers painted on certain pieces are sometimes the only clue to the identity of the maker, and the variety of these is huge. Some of the leading factories grew to a great size and made a range of bodies, from very costly porcelain that involved expensive processes and materials to inexpensive earthenware intended for export. Their success lay in the popularity of English bone-china tea and dinner services; these were thinly potted in a pleasing white porcelain, and
attractively and fashionably but inexpensively decorated with transfer-printed botanical scenes, birds, topographical views, and “Oriental” patterns and styles, such as “Imari”.
IMPORTANT FACTORIES AND LESSER MAKERS Spode (est. 1776), in Stoke-on-Trent, produced fine painting and Japanese Imari patterns, and a number of services decorated with “bat-printed” designs. An alternative to paper transfers, ers, bat printing involved the application of tiny dots of oil to the surface of the porcelain, using bats of glue; finely powdered colour was then dusted onto the oil to form the design. The Davenport factory (c.1793-1887), which first produced porcelain c.1810, had one of the largest outputs of all the Staffordshire factories. Ridgway (est. 1792) also had a vast production, with a great many different patterns, particularly in the Rococo Revival style with brightly coloured grounds; these can be identified by their pattern numbers. Minton & Co. (est. 1793) became the most important porcelain factory in Stoke-on-Trent during the Victorian period; in the 1820s to 1830s it concentrated on quality, with careful gilding and delicate painting.
Many makers of bone china subsidized their richest productions by making inexpensive earthenware, and all had to compete for their share of the market. Other Staffordshire factories included Samuel Alcock & Co. (est. 1826) and H. & R. Daniel (1832-54), both of which carried out very fine work.
• FORMS wide, shallow teacups in 1830s to 1840s; elaborate shapes with complicated handles
• STYLES Rococo Revival was the most popular
• DECORATION rich and elaborate; coloured grounds with reserved panels; use of elaborate gilding
• IMPORTANT FACTORIES Spode (est. 1776); Davenport (c.1793-1887); Minton & Co. (est. 1793); Ridgway (1792-1848); H. & R. Daniel (1832-54)
Marks
Few factories marked on a regular basis; pattern numbers vary in style but often appear as fractions on the base of the piece; certain pattern-number sequences are unique and allow the identification of Unmarked tableware
Spode: (c. 1790-1830s) 790-18330s) red painted mark Spode

Brocade, Gilt Brass Mounts, Louis Xvi, Leaf Scroll Handles, Meiji, 14 X 22 X 13 In.

Imari Beaker
Armorial, Trellis Diaper Border, Early 18th Century, 2 3/4 In.

Imari Biscuit Jar
Cover, Japan, 1900-1920, 7 1/2 In.

Imari Biscuit Jar
Cover, Florals, Hand Painted, Red, Blue, Silver Plated Handle, 7 In.

Imari Biscuit Jar
Nickel Plated Cover, Ironstone China Handle, Porcelain, 7 In.

Imari Bottle
6 In., Pair

Imari Bottle
Gourd Form, Cobalt, Red & Gilt Flowers, Phoenix Birds & Dragons, 18 1/4 In.

Flared, 19th Century, 4 X 9 1/2 In.

Mounted, Wood Stand, 3 1/4 X 2 3/4 In.

Octagonal, Fukagawa, 19th Century, 5 In.

Polychrome, 9 1/2 In.

Potted Flowers Center, Alternating Flowers & Birds, 10 In.

Soup, Flowers & Butterflies, Blue Border, Gilt Rim, 9 In., Pair

Blue & Orange Panels, 6 Character Mark, C.1900, 9 1/2 In.

Cover, Polychrome, Marked Lid, 19th Century, 4 1/4 In., 6 Piece

Fish, Blue & Iron Red Floral & Figural Design, 14 In.

Flower Shape, Cartouches Of Carp & Flowers, 11 In.

Flower Shape, Scrolling Floral Panels, Late 19th Century, 15 In.

Flowers & Vines, Peony Center, Landscape Cartouches Interior, 13 1/2 In.

Foliage & Birds, Scrolled Handles, Bronze Mounted, 12 1/2 In.

Polychrome Herons, Brown Rim, 6 In.

Round, Figures On Exterior, Interior Landscape, 7 1/4 In.

C.1850, 9 1/2 In.

Cover, Ormolu Frame, Winged Lizard Handles, Scrolling Leaf Rim, 16 1/2 In.

Dragons & Birds, 2 Ladies In Garden, 1900, 14 1/2 In. ~illus

Floral Form Rim, Floral, Straight Sided, 20th Century, 9 In., 2 Piece

Floral Form, Reticulated Rim, 20th Century, 7 1/2 In., 4 Piece

Polychrome, 5 In.

Polychrome, Oval, 3 1/4 In.

Scalloped, Fluted Edge, C.1855, 6 In.

3 Friends Center, Flower Form, 9 In.

Black Ship, Figures & Ships In Typical Palette, 19th Century, 7 3/8 In.

Brocade Design, Floral Center, 4-lobed, 4 1/2 In.

Carp Design, Mid-19th Century, 8 1/2 In.

Dragon, Scalloped Edge, Ribbed Sides, 19th Century, 9 3/4 In.

Fan, Scroll Design, 8 1/2 In.

Farmer, Under Bamboo Tree, Karabitsu Shell Design, Early 19th Century, 10 In.

Floral Reserves & Fan Design, Blue Ground, Pierced Turned Out Rim, 8 x 7 In.

Flower Basket Center, Flower Form, 10 In.

Flower Form, Flower Basket Design, 12 In.

Geometric Design, Japan, 19th Century, 8 3/4 In.

Gold Floral Panels, Enclosing Vase Of Flowers, Oval, 10 1/4 x 9 1/4 In.

Green & Coral, 10 In.

Japan, 9 5/8 x 4 1/4 In.

Peony Center Surrounded By Landscape, Flower Cartouches, Flower Mark

Scalloped Rim, 19th Century, Pair

Scalloped Rim, Early 20th Century, 5 3/4 x 15 In.

Shaving, Early 18th Century

Black Ship Design, Everted Rim, 9 In.

Butterfly & Chrysanthemum Design, Lobed Form, 6 In.

Fluted, Porcelain, 9 In.

Fruit, Scalloped, 10 In.

Honeycomb, 19th Century, 7 In.

Landscape Scene, Passion Flower Border, Octagonal, 19th Century, 5 1/2 In.

Nesting, Chidori Design, Kitani, 7 In., 8 1/2 In., 9 1/2 In., 3 Piece

Plant-stand Center, Floral Spray Reserves, 19th Century, 5 x 13 In.

Allover Floral, Off-white Ground, 4 Character Mark, 11 1/4 In.

Aristocratic Lady, Terraced Lakeside Garden, C.1890, 11 In.

Blue, Red, Porcelain, 12 In.

Brocade, Chrysanthemum Shape, C.1880, 9 1/2 In.

Dutch Exploration Of Japan, Black Sailing Ship Center, 13 1/2 In.

Fisherman In Landscape, Polychromed Celestial Dragon, C.1890, 9 3/4 In.

Flower Basket Design Interior, Bird & Flower Exterior, 11 In.

Petal Shape, Scalloped Edge, Green, Blue, Rust, Ivory, 3 x 10 In.

Shishi Center, Landscape Surround, Phoenix Panels, 10 In.

Asymmetrical Floral Interior, Exterior Panels, Scalloped Mouth, 8 1/2 In.

Chrysanthemum Form, Enamel Floral Center, Brocade, 1860, 9 5/8 In.

Cover, Allover Red, Blue & Gold Floral, 18th Century, 4 x 5 1/2 In.

Fan Form, Phoenix Design, 10 1/2 In.

Floral Design, Iron Red, Cobalt, Gold Interior, 3 x 7 1/2 In.

Floral Design, Shallow, 12 1/4 In.

Floral Filled Panel, Hexagonal, 9 In.

Floral Medallion, Shield-shaped Panels, Flowers, Signed, 18th Century, 13 In.

Floral Reserve Center, Gold Outlined, Scalloped Rim, Late 19th Century, 15 In.

Kwannon Bosatsu, Blue Drip Rim, Cloud Ground, 19th Century, 6 In.

Overall Fan Shaped Panels With Exotic Birds, Free-form Leaf, Floral Design, 8 In.

Prunus Boughs With Roosting Birds, Brocaded Fan Panels, 10 In.

Red & Blue Chrysanthemums, Panels, Gate, Butterflies, Fukagawa Mark, 9 1/2 In.

Scalloped Edge, Circular, 10 In.

Armorial, Figures In Cartouches, Center Coat Of Arms, Late 19th Century, 15 In.

Armorial, Flared Rim, Horsemonden Of Kent, Buildings, Flowers, C.1716, 7 3/4 In.

Blue, Landscape, Phoenix, Flowers, Orange & Gilt, Scalloped, 11 x 3 1/4 In.

Brocade Design, 4 Petals, Chrysanthemum Shape, Gilt, Scalloped Edge, 7 In.

Butterfly, Flowers, Late 19th Century, 9 1/4 In.

Cover, Phoenix & Shishi, Melon Ribbed, 18th Century, 5 In.

Cover, Polychrome, Alternating Panels, Birds, Flowering Branches, 9 1/2 In.

Cranes Among Flowering Branches, Brocade Design, 11 In.

Cranes In Center, Surrounded By Ginko Leaves, 19th Century, 7 1/4 In.

Floral Brocades Around Central Landscape, Late 19th Century, 8 1/2 In.

Floral Design, 19th Century, +9 1/4 In.

Floral Geometric Design, Orange, Blue, Gold Enamel, 19th Century, 4 In., Pair

Floral, Scalloped Rim & Sides, Footed, 11 x 4 In.

Flower Filled Jardiniere Medallion, Flying Corners, Late 19th Century, 12 In.

Flower Form, Butterfly Rim, Crane & Prunus Center, 6 1/2 In.

Flowers & Animal Panels, Gilt, Ribbed, 11 In.

Landscape Design, 19th Century, 4 1/4 In.

Lobed, Central Medallion, Flower Jardiniere, Panels, Iron Red, Gilt, 2 x 12 In.

Polychrome Enamel & Gilt Brocade On Underglaze, 10 In.

Ribbed, Scalloped Edge, Triangular, 19th Century

Shishi On Interior, Yellow, Green Maple Leaves, 18th Century, 7 In.

Triangular, C.1879, 11 1/2 In.

Wave Design, Rabbit, 8 1/4 In.

Bell Shape, Pinwheel Brocade, Late 19th Century, 9 3/4 In.

Brocade Flowers, Metal Rim, Early 19th Century, 10 In.

Center, Bronze Dore, Floral & Leaf Design, 2 Handles, Pedestal, C.1860, 13 In.

Central Reserve Design, 3 Schooners, Sailors, Flower Sprays, Nanban, 3 1/2 In.

Cover, Blue & White, Red & Gold Overlay, 1900, 4 1/4 x 3 1/4 In.

Cover, Crane & Flower Panels, Gold Leaves Between, 1860, 4 1/4 x 3 In.

Cover, Garden Medallion, Blue & White, Gold & Red Accents, 5 1/4 x 4 In.

Cover, Multicolored Scene, Fence, Pine & Willow Branches, 1860, 4 1/4 In.

Decorated Interior, Outside Rim, 3 1/2 x 7 1/4 In.

Dragons, Vertical, Tapering Sides, Flared Rim, Cobalt, Gold Border, 5 x 12 1/4 In.

Figure Standing On Rock, Mt. Fuji Ground, Gold, Red, 1860, 8 1/4 x 3 1/4 In.

Fish, Blue Birds, Flowers, Paneled Scenes, Footed, Teakwood Stand, 5 x 12 In.

Flower Shape, Late 19th Century, 9 1/2 In.

Grass & Flowers, 3 Petal Blue Center, Scalloped, 4 x 10 In.

Lotus, Cranes, Flowers, Central Medallion, Scalloped, Ribbed, 4 3/4 x 9 1/2 In.

Scalloped, 4 x 8 1/4 In.

Brocade Pattern Around Minogame Center, C.1870, 8 1/2 In.

Center, Anton Scene, Blue, Red, Green, Footed, 19th Century, 4 x 9 1/2 In.

Chrysanthemum, Polychrome, C.1912, 11 3/4 In., 3 Piece

Crane, Marsh Medallion, Dragon, Phoenix, Flower Border, C.1860, 11 In.

Figure Of Dragon, Shallow, Scalloped Rim, 1800s, 9 In.

Flower Medallion, Garden Scenes, Scalloped Rim, 19th Century, 11 In.

Flowers, Fan-shaped Reserves, Meiji, 10 In.

Landscape, Karako Landscape, 19th Century, 8 3/4 In.

Lion & Brocade Border, Kirin Center, 11 1/4 In.

Melon Shape, Scalloped Rim, C.1890, 9 1/2 In.

Phoenix Center, Red & Blue, 19th Century, 7 1/4 In.

Ribbed, Scalloped Rim, Red Ground, Blue Underglaze, 19th Century, 12 In.

Ribs, Scalloped Rim, Enamels, 19th Century, Japan, 8 1/2 In.

Serving, Phoenix Medallion, C.1975, 8 1/2 In.

Ship & Pine Tree Center, Flowers, 8 Sides, 19th Century, 12 In.

10 Petals, Japan, Late 19th Century, 9 1/2 In.

Alternating Swirls Of Underglaze Blue & Red, Gilt, Japan, 1800s, 9 3/4 In.

Bamboo, Pine, Prunus, 3 Friends, Leaf Edges, Cover, 1800s, 9 1/2 In., Pair

Blue, White Design, Scalloped Rim, 3 1/2 x 8 1/2 In.

Calligraphy Outer Panels, 4 Inner Panel Scenes, C.1815, 9 1/2 In.

Central Flower Rondel, Dragons, Phoenixes, 1800s, 12 In.

Central Medallion, Blue Flowers, Gilt, 3 x 15 1/4 In.

Chrysanthemum Shape, Flower Brocade Design, 1800s, 4 3/4 In.

Chrysanthemums, Japan, 1800s, 14 In.

Flowering Vine, Cover, Japan, 19th Century, 4 3/4 In.

Flowers, Chinese, C.1740, 7 3/4 In.

Flowers, Pinwheel Border, Late 1800s, 13 3/4 In.

Foo Dog, Brocade Ball Center, 3 Friends, Brocade Border, 1800s, 8 1/2 In.

Fukagawa, Center Carp, Japan, Late 19th Century, 7 1/2 x 14 In.

Low, Fukagawa, Dragon Design, Late 19th Century, 10 1/2 In.

Nut, Flower Center, Brocade Border, Multicolored Enamels, Japan, C.1900, 6 In.

Orange, Blue, Scalloped Rim, 11 In.

Paneled Egg Shape, Flower Garden, Shishi, 1800s, 10 In.

12 3/8 X 5 3/4 In.

Floral Design, 19th Century, 10 In.

3 Friends, Flower Center, C.1850, 11 1/2 In., Pair

Bell Shape, Bird, Prunus Tree, Phoenix, Paulownia Flowers, Early 1800s, 7 1/2 In.

Bell Shape, Clamshell, Bird, Flower Garden, Landscape, 19th Century, 6 3/4 In.

Bell Shape, Sages, Bamboo Grove, Brocade, Early 1800s, 9 In.

Birds, Rabbits, Blue, White, Paneled Sides, C.1740, 5 3/4 In.

Chrysanthemum Shape, Crest, Brocade, Late 1800s, 5 In.

Chrysanthemum Shape, Phoenix, Flowers, Early 1800s, 5 In.

Chrysanthemum, Multicolored, Concentric Double Foot, C.1912, 13 1/2 In.

Cover, Phoenix Interior, Bird & Flower Exterior, C.1820, 10 1/2 In.

Cover, Women, Pomegranates, C.1840, 4 1/2 In., Pair

Cylinder Shape, Flared Rim, Landscape, Crane, Mythical Beast, Grass, 1700s, 7 In.

Dome Lid, Flowers, Multicolored Enamels, Applied Handle, C.1900, 10 In.

Dragon, Landscape, Birds, Flowers, C.1850, 8 1/2 In.

Floral, Urn Of Flowers Center, Scalloped Rim, Footed, Signed, 9 1/2 In.

Flower Shape, Crane, Pine Tree, C.1850, 7 1/2 In.

Flower, Landscape, Early 19th Century, 8 3/4 In.

Geese, Marsh Grass, Flower Gardens, C.1800, 13 1/2 In.

Landscape, Phoenix, Flowers, Early 1800s, 10 3/4 In.

Oval, Leaf Shape Feet, C.1770, 3 X 12 X 10 In.

Samurai Helmet Shape, Dragon, Lion, Flowers, Stylized Vines, C.1760, 11 In.

Scalloped Rim, Reeded Body, Red, Green, Gold, C.1880, 5 X 12 In.

Scroll Cartouche, Leaves, Banner, C.1830, 9 1/2 In.

Tassels, Flowers, Birds & Flower Lattice Exterior, 19th Century, 6 1/2 In.

Black Ships, Portuguese Figures, Eagle Center, Japan, 1800s, 3 1/2 X 9 1/2 In.

Blue Scrolls, Orange Peonies, 8-sided, Hardwood Stand, 1800s, 2 3/4 X 9 In.

Blue, White, Leaves, Flowers, Karakusa Design, Early 1800s, 6 In.

Flared Sides, Scalloped Rim, Flowers, Gold Trim, 1800s, 14 1/8 In.

Flat Rim, Double Foot Ring, Rabbit, Waves, 3 Friends Border, 3 X 9 In.

Flowers, Brocade, Pagoda, 16 In.

Flowers, Fukugawa, Japan, Late 19th Century, 9 3/4 In.

Flowers, Japan, Late 19th Century, 3 1/4 X 11 In.

Footed, Flat, Inverted Rim, Trellis, Fence, Birds, Prunus, Ruyi Head Border, 3 X 12 In.

Footed, Flower Vase, Paneled Sides, 4 X 10 In.

Oval, Footed, Ribbed, Scalloped Border, Phoenix, Vine, 2 7/8 X 13 1/2 X 9 7/8 In.

Reserve Decoration, Japan, 19th Century, 3 1/4 X 8 3/4 In.

Ribbed, Oval, Scalloped Edge, Central Flowers, Vines, 2 1/2 X 8 7/8 In.

Scalloped Border, Cobalt Blue & Iron Red Flowers, 2 1/2 X 13 3/4 In., Illustrated

Scalloped Everted Rim, Shishi, Peony, Scrolling Vine, Insect, Flower, 2 3/4 X 8 1/2 In.

Set
Flower Shape, 6 Poets, Pine Landscape, Japan, 19th Century, 6 In., 12 Piece

Set
Nesting, Peony Center, Flower Brocade Border, Japan, 19th Century, 3 Piece

Set
Nesting, Phoenix Center, Cranes, Prunus, 1800s, 7 1/2 & 8 In.

Set
Nesting, Stylized Bird, 1800s, 7 1/4, 8 1/2 & 9 3/4 In.

Set
Shoe Design, Crane, Flowers, Late 1800s, 4 3/4 In., 4 Piece

Set
Dragons, Auspicious Emblems, 19th Century, 6 In., 12 Bowls

Set
Pine, Bamboo, Prunus Tree, Bird, Wave, Early 1800s, 6 1/4 In., 4 Bowls

Imari Box
Scholars & Scroll, Egg Shape, Flower Borders, Koransha, Japan, C.1810, 3 3/4 In.

Imari Box
Passion Flower, Medallions, Karakusa Ground, 2 Parts, Cylindrical, Early 1800s, 3 In.

Imari Brush Pot
6 In.

Imari Cachepot
Courtesans In Garden, Japan, 1800s, 10 1/2 x 13 1/2 In.

Imari Censer
Polychrome, Lobed Body, Scroll Handles, C.1912, 8 In., Pair

Imari Centerpiece
Dore Bronze, Bowl Supported By 3 Female Figures, 20 X 16 In.

Imari Changer
Iron Red, Blue, Green, Central Medallion, Flower Vase, 12 In.

Birds, Flowers, Shaped Panels, Red Background, Meiji Period, 18 1/4 In.

Multicolored Carp, Enameled, Gilt, 19th Century, Signed

Pomegranate Center, 6 Bird Alternating Flowers Panels

6 Panels, Alternating Scenes, Stylized Florals, Gold, 16 In.

Blossoming Peony In Vase, Phoenix Amid Branches, 12 1/2 In.

Blue & White, 15 3/4 In.

Flower Shape, Peony Center, 12 1/2 In.

Round Center Design, 18 1/2 In.

Center Urn With Flowers, Chrysanthemum Border, Sprays On Back, 15 1/2 In.

Figural & Bird Panels, Fluted Sides, 18 In.

Foliage Design, Japan, 15 In.

Ho-os Circling Black & White Gourd Design, 13 In.

Panel Design, C.1865, Round, 12 In.

Pea Fowl, Mums, Blue & White, 12 In.

Scalloped Rim, Floral Cartouches, 12 1/4 In.

Scalloped, Fluted, C.1865, 12 1/2 In., Pair

Sugar, Cover, 19th Century, 4 1/4 In.

Blue, Red, Green Glaze, White Ground, Japan, 18 1/4 In.

Crane, Peony Design, 12 In., Pair

Figural, Floral Design, 4 Character Mark On Base, 21 3/4 In.

Floral Center, 16 1/4 In., Pair

Polychrome Scene Of 7 Figures, Orange Border, 26 1/2 In.

Red, Cobalt Blue, Green, Black, Japan, 18 1/2 In.

Stylized Green, Splash Of Colors, 1840s, 16 In.

3 Panels Of Foliate Design, Blue Exterior, Blue Design, White Ground, 18 In.

3 Panels, Bird On Branch With Flowers, Butterfly, Blue, Rust Floral Spray

Blue Bird, Floral, Foliate Design, Off-white Ground, 18 In.

Blue Ground, 15 3/8 In.

Blue, White, Celadon Glaze, 18 In.

Center Fu Lions In Landscape, Floral & Foliage Border, 16 In.

Central Floral Medallion, Late 19th Century, 15 1/2 In.

Floral Center, Landscape Surround, 16 In.

Flower & Bird Design Panel, 1850, 12 1/4 In.

Green Dragon, 18 1/4 In.

Landscape Scene, Iron Red, Green, Gold, Porcelain, 1890, 15 1/2 In.

Landscape Scene, Porcelain, 1900, 12 In.

Rockery, Pavilion, Flying Peacock On Wave, 18 1/2 In.

Rockery, Pavilion, Flying Peacock, Brocade Ground, 18 1/2 In.

Still Life Of Flowers, 19th Century, 18 In.

Warrior & Landscape Cartouches, 21 3/4 In.

Blue Center Design, Flowers, Butterflies In Various Shapes, 18 1/4 In.

Central Vase Of Floral Design, 18 1/4 In.

Floral Design, Late 19th Century, 13 1/4 In.

Floral Landscape, Birds, Late 19th Century, 15 3/4 In.

Foo Dogs, House Boats, Floral Design In Windows, Blue & Red Reverse, 18 In.

Landscape, Horse Filled, Prunus Center, Bird, Floral Cartouches, 18 In.

Mandarin Duck Scene, Early 19th Century, 14 1/2 In.

Peony Flowers, 3 Panels, Foo Dogs, Fans, Cobalt Zigzag Border, 18 In.

Phoenix, Landscape, Floral & Foliate Design, 8 1/2 In.

Pine Tree Design, Cobalt Bamboo, Deep Red, Green, Yellow, Gold Border, 3 In.

Polychrome, Man On Boat, Heron, Panels, Red & Blue On Reverse, 18 1/2 In.

Stand, 19 In.

Birds, Flower Design, Late 19th Century, 18 In.

Carp, Goose, Landscape, 17 1/2 In.

Center Chrysanthemum, Alternating Birds & Buildings Cartouche, 16 In.

Center Floral, Floral Border, Insect & Phoenix Scene, Polychrome, 18 In.

Center Flower Jardiniere, Flower Head Panels, Arabesques, 3 x 18 In.

Center Quatrefoil Flower, Cartouche Of Birds In Flight, 20th Century, 21 5/8 In.

Central Jardiniere Of Flowers, Flowers Panels, Early 19th Century, 18 In.

Central Landscape, Cranes & Foo Dogs Border, 19th Century, 16 In.

Chrysanthemum, Wide Floral & Insect Border, Phoenix, 13 In.

Figures, Floral Landscapes, Medallion, Raised Edge, Late 1800s, 3 x 5 1/2 In.

Floral, Paneled Border, Birds & Flowers On Reverse, 18 In.

Flower Medallion, Paneled Floral, Blue & White, Scalloped, 12 In.

Flower Shape, 2 Ships, Rolling Sea, Prowling Dragon, Enamel, Gilt, 14 1/2 In.

Foo Lions, Brocade, 19th Century, 18 In.

Hoteh & Karako Design, 12 1/4 In.

Landscape, Bats On Reverse, 12 In.

Panel Of 3 Friends, Brocade Border With Phoenix, Leaves, 16 In.

Phoenix, Blue Border, Floral Reserves, Late 19th Century, 14 In.

Riverscape, Dragon, Scalloped Rim, 20th Century, 15 In.

White Ground, Gilt Highlights, Early 19th Century, 16 In.

2 Crane Reserves, 2 Landscapes, Center Bonsai Tree, 1870s, 25 In.

3 Medallions, Overlapping Circle Border, Early 1800s, 12 In.

4 Large Flowering Plants, Blue Border, Lattice Design Between, 12 1/4 In.

Birds, Flowers, Serpent, Panels, Blue Border, 18 In.

Bowl, Flowers, Landscapes, Raised Rim, Panels, Late 19th Century, 3 x 12 In.

Central Medallion, Coiled Dragon, Flaming Pearl, C.1900, 22 In.

Central Medallion, Flowers, Lotus, Red Ground, 19th Century, 18 In.

Central Medallion, Peonies, Reserve Panels, Flowers, Birds, 20th Century, 18 In.

Central Medallions, Blossoming Trees, Birds, 10 Leaf Panels, 12 3/4 In., Pair

Deer In Wood, Border Of Birds, 21 3/4 In.

Fan Reserves, Floral Sprays, Alternating Cranes, Meiji, 18 1/2 In.

Figures, Birds, Flowers, Asymmetric Panel, Geometric, C.1880, 15 1/2 In.

Floral Panels Over Whirling Ground, 18 1/2 In.

Floral Spray, Medallions, Scalloped Reeded Rim, C.1860, 18 1/2 In.

Floral, Center Cartouche, Fan Shaped Panels, C.1860, 14 1/2 In.

Flowers, Birds, Blue, Rust, Red, Vignettes, Folding Stand, 24 1/2 In.

Foo Dog & Phoenix, Yellow, Green, Blue & Red Border, C.1860, 27 x 4 1/2 In.

Geometric & Floral, Polychrome Panels, 18 In.

Gilt, Fan Shaped Panels, 19th Century, 18 In.

Hoo-birds In Well, 1870s, 12 3/8 In.

Landscape, Fruit, Alternating Medallions, Late 19th Century, 14 In.

Mountainous Scene, Medallion, Birds & Fans Reserves, 8 Sides, Meiji, 12 In.

Oriental Man At Table, Floral On Reverse, Paneled Borders, 18 1/2 In.

Pheasant Center, Red & Gold Polychrome Design, 6 Sections, 18 In.

Phoenix Bird & Bull, C.1880, 18 1/4 In.

Scalloped, Reeded Rim, Body, Alternate Panels, C.1880, 12 In.

Sleeping Oriental Woman, Interior Medallion, Floral Rim, 15 5/8 In.

Tomato Red Pagoda, Dragons, Birds & Flowers, 15 3/4 In.

Bamboo, Children At Play, Meiji Period, Japan

Basket With Flowers In Center, 2 Boats, Scrolling Leaves, Japan, 20 In.

Bird On Blooming Branch, Late 19th Century, 17 3/4 In. ~illus

Blue, White, Chrysanthemum, Prunus Reserves, 12 In.

Butterflies, Cranes, Flowers, Medallions, 19th Century, 13 In.

Central Flowers, Grape & Brocade Borders, Japan, 19th Century, 14 1/2 In.

Central Medallion, 3 Friends, Blue & White, Aster Border, 16 1/2 In.

Flowers & Figural, Meiji, 18 5/8 In.

Flowers, Crane & Minogame Border, Late 19th Century, 13 1/2 In.

Ladies, Birds, Flowers, Fans, C.1880, 15 1/2 In. ~illus

Landscape, Floral Cartouches, Women, Scroll, 19th Century, 18 1/4 In.

Octagonal, Flower, Brocade, Meiji Period, Japan, 11 1/2 In.

Polychrome, Gilt Edge, C.1912, 21 1/2 In.

Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Gold, Family At Table Under Tree, 23 1/2 In.

Scalloped, Reeded Rim, Body, Alternate Panels, 1880, 12 In. ~illus

Scenic Cartouches, Mount Fuji, Birds, C.1870, 22 In.

3 Phoenix Bird Panels, First Half 19th Century, 21 1/2 In.

Blue, Red, Green, Gilt Highlights, 14 3/4 In.

Blue, White, Peonies, Scalloped Rim, 18 In.

Carp, Flowers, 21 In.

Chrysanthemum, Multicolored, 20th Century, 17 1/2 In.

Court Scene, Gilt Ground, Brocade Borders, Japan, 1800s, 22 In.

Curtain Center, Shishi, Peonies, Prunus, Bamboo, 1800s, 24 1/4 In.

Dragon Center, Sparrow & Flower Cartouches, C.1850, 22 In.

Figural & Lion Fan Form Cartouche, 1800s, 18 In.

Floral Reserve Panels, Underglaze Blue & Multicolored Enamels, 1800s, 16 In.

Flower Center, Birds, Cranes, 1800s, 15 In.

Flower Form, Bamboo & Peacock Design, Late 1800s, 11 In.

Flower Form, Flower Basket Center, Peonies, Blue Flowers, 1800s, 14 1/2 In.

Flower Form, Phoenix, Blue Flowers, Mandarin Duck, 1800s, 16 In.

Flower Vase, Veranda, Brocade, 6 Spurs & Flowers On Base, 1700s, 13 In.

Flowering Branch, Floral Medallions, Rust, Gold Scrolls, Exterior Horses, 19 In.

Flowers, 6 Panels, 19th Century, 16 In.

Flowers, Central Medallion, Brocade, Japan, 19th Century, 22 In., Pair

Landscape Screens, Brocade Ground, Late 1800s, 12 In., Pair

Landscape, 19th Century, 18 1/4 In.

Multicolored Enamel, Bamboo Medallion, Garden, Japan, C.1910, 12 1/4 In.

Paneled, Multicolored, Blue, Rust, Green, 19th Century, 11 3/4 In.

Phoenix, Blue Flower Center, Lion-dog, 1800s, 18 In.

Phoenix, Blue Flowers, Cranes, Pavilions, 1800s, 12 1/2 In., Pair

Phoenix, Peony Garden, Octagonal Form, 1800s, 13 In.

Scalloped Edge, Flower Basket, Fan Shape Border, Japan, 1800s, 18 In., Pair

Scalloped Rim, Cranes & Tortoises Border, Japan, C.1860, 12 3/4 In.

Shishi & Peony, C.1850, 18 In.

Upswept Rim, Phoenix, Trees, Flowers, Japan, Late 1800s, 12 In.

Vase Of Flowers, Geometric Decorations, Scalloped Border, 18 1/4 In. , Illustrated

Wisteria, Figures, Dragon Screen, Flower, 1800s, 14 1/2 In.

100 Flowers, Blue Flower Border, 19th Century, 18 In.

100 Flowers, Red & Blue Flower Border, 19th Century, 18 In.

Birds, Snails, Butterflies, On Red, White Scrolls, Cobalt Blue Boat Center, 12 In.

Blue, Rust, Fan, Bird, Dragon, Flowers, Hanging Cross Strap, 22 In.

Central Flower Basket, Foo Dogs, Brocade Balls, 17 3/4 In.

Cranes, Tortoises On Border, Scalloped Rim, C.1860, 12 3/4 In.

Drunken Sprite, Wine Barrel, Brocade Border, Flower, Vine, 1800s, 24 In., Pair

Flower Medallion, Hearts, Foo Dogs, Peacocks, Lotus Blossoms, 16 In.

Flowering Plants, Central Medallion, Red, Blue, Gilt, Circles, 1 3/4 X 15 1/2 In.

Landscape, Boy, Fruit, Flowers, C.1750, 17 3/4 In.

Open Books, Figures, Landscapes, Dragons, Flowers, 1700s, 18 In.

6 Panels, Multicolored, 15 1/2 In.

Bamboo, Pine, Prunus, Brocades, Shishi, Peonies, Japan, Late 1800s, 18 In.

Bird, Flower, Brocade, Japan, Late 19th Century, 18 1/2 In.

Birds, Landscapes, Red Ground, 1850-90, 2 3/4 X 15 5/8 In.

Birds, Trees, Multicolored, Early 1900s, 18 In.

Brocade, Flower Lotus Petals, Panels, Center Phoenix Medallion, 12 3/4 In.

Carp, Relief, Waves, Japan, 19th Century, 18 1/2 In.

Central Medallion, Pagoda, Birds, Flowers, Flying Crane, 19 In.

Chrysanthemums, Tree, Bird, Flowers, 1800s, 15 3/4 In.

Dragon & Banner Center, 3 Friends Border, Japan, 1800s, 15 1/2 In.

Dragon, Palace Lions, Lotus Blossoms, 1800s, 13 1/2 In.

Fans, Multicolored, Japan, 1800s, 18 In.

Flower Basket, Passion Flower Border, Japan, Late 1700s, 17 1/4 In.

Flower Reserves, Leaf Edge, Brocade Borders, 17 In.

Flower Shape, Bird, Flower, Japan, Late 19th Century, 12 1/2 In.

Flower Shape, Juemrous Bat, Chrysanthemum Center, Japan, Late 1800s, 16 In.

Flowers, Landscape, Peony, Wisteria Bonsai, Late 1800s, 22 In.

Geometrics, Blue, White, 18 1/2 In.

Medallion, Stylized Flower, Shaped Cartouches, Leaf, Vine, 3 X 21 3/4 In.

Peonies, Shishi Over Waves Cartouches, Leaves, Green, Lavender, 1 1/2 X 12 1/2 In.

Ribbed, 3 Central Flowers, Flower Ground, 1 7/8 X 12 In.

Scalloped Rim, Reticulated Cavetto, Flowers, Japan, 18 1/4 In., Pair

Swirling Brocade, Center Flower Roundel, Japan, 1800s, 14 3/4 In.

Underglaze Blue, Multicolored Enamels, Gilt, Floral Panels, Ground, 24 In.

Imari Chawan
Flame & Cloud, Early 19th Century, 4 In., Pair

Imari Chop Plate
Blue & White, Japan, 12 1/4 In.

Imari Chop Plate
Floral Design, 3 Panels, 2 Birds, Cobalt & Geometric Design, 14 1/2 In.

Imari Chop Plate
Dragon Faces & Leaves, White Panels, Gold Trim, 12 1/4 In.

Imari Coffeepot
Dome Cover, Hinged, Silver Mounted, Early 1700s, 9 1/4 In.

Imari Compote
Chrysanthemum, Floral Design, Bowl Form, Flared Pedestal Base, 4 In., Pair

Imari Compote
Flowers & Waves, 2 Blue & 1 Pink Fish Interior, 1850, 5 1/4 x 4 1/4 In.

Imari Compote
Sea Waves, Blue Carp Interior, Double Crimped Rim, 1860, 6 1/4 x 4 1/2 In.

Imari Compote
Small Fish, 2 Blue Carp Swimming In Seaweed Interior, 1860, 6 x 4 1/2 In.

Imari Condiment Set
Sterling Silver Frame, Center Handle, C.1910

Imari Cup
Prunus Branches, Bamboo, Peony, C.1860, 3 In., 10 Piece

Hand Painted, Gold, 1892-1899, England

Floral Design, Porcelain

Gold Rim

Gilt

Chrysanthemum Form, Floral Brocade Design, 1800s

Floral Design, Porcelain, 19th Century

Gold Rim, Demitasse

Gilt, 1800-1825

Chrysanthemum Form, Floral Brocade Design, 1800s, 3 In.

England, Early 19th Century, 3 1/4 X 5 1/4 In.

Hand Painted, Gold, 1892-1899, England

Imari Cup Set
Sake, Poets, Pine Tree Landscape, Blue Ground, 19th Century, 12 Piece

Boat, 19th Century, 13 1/4 In.

Dragon, Blue & White, 18th Century

Fish Shape, 10 In.

Fluted, Scalloped, 12 1/2 In.

Fluted Edge, Four Character Mark, C.1795

Fluted, Floral Design, Scalloped Rim, C.1850, 12 In.

Panel Design, Scalloped Rim, C.1860, 8 3/4 In.

Panel Design, Scalloped Rim, C.1850, 12 In.

Panels & Country Scene, C.1860

Red & Green Design, Blue, Gilt, Ring Feet, 6 In., Pair

3 Friends Center Surrounded By Crane, Flowers, Rectangular, 8 1/2 In.

Bamboo Surrounded By Seated Foo Lion, Iron Red, Gilt Scrolling, 8 7/8 In.

Fish & Turtle, 8 In.

Fish Form, Bamboo, Prunus Design, 9 In.

Lozenge Form, Flower Garden Design, 6 3/4 In.

Blue, Red, Green Floral Design, Tree, Floral Exterior, 19th Century, 3 1/2 In., Pair

Chrysanthemum, Scalloped, 8 In., Pair

Crane, Floral Design, 18th Century, 4 1/2 In., Pair

Passion Flower, Rectangular, 8 1/2 In.

Serving, Flower Basket Center Surrounded By Phoenix & Flowers, 18 1/2 In.

4-masted Ship, Trellis Border, Porcelain, 8 1/2 In.

Bird, Flower & Book Design, Ginko Leaf Shape, 8 1/2 In.

Stag, Bamboo Design, Oval, 6 3/4 In., Pair

Scallop Shell, Painted Clumps Of Flowering Plants, 7 2/3 In., 6 Pair

Awabi Shell Form, Chidori & Waves, 6 1/2 In.

Cover, Crane & Carp Design, 8 1/2 In.

Diamond Shape, Geometric Panels, Flowers, Birds & Plants, 1910, 11 1/4 In.

Diamond Shape, Iron Red, Cobalt, Green, Gilt, Flowers, Birds, 1 1/2 x 11 x 12 In.

Horse & Landscape, 19th Century, 7 In., Pair

Oval, Asymmetrical Panels, Flowers, Pale Blue Scroll Ground, 2 x 13 x 11 1/2 In.

Oval, Palette Colors, Fluted Rim, England, 8 1/2 In.

Shaving, Lotus Sprays & Flowers, Blue, Iron Red, Gold Enamel Glaze, 11 In.

Awabi Shell Shape, Butterfly, Paulownia Flower, Silver Lacquered, Early 1800s

Blue & Iron Red Enamels, Floral Rim, Unglazed Foot, 1880s, 8 1/4 In., 4 Piece

Scalloped, Reeded Body, Alternate Panels, Late 19th Century, 8 1/2 x 10 In., Pair

Birds, Feathers, Flowers, 1 1/2 x 8 1/2 In.

Flower Sprays, 18th Century, 11 In.

Lozenge Form, Peacock, Swallow, Floral, 19th Century, 11 1/2 In.

Seashell Design, Flower Shape Rim, Mid 19th Century, 8 3/4 In., Pair

Abalone Shell Shape, Aquatic Scene, Japan, Early 1900s, 9 In.

Deep, Oval, Scalloped Rim, Japan, 12 x 9 3/8 In.

Fan Form, Flowers, 1800s, 10 In.

Rabbit, Chrysanthemum, Fuku Mark, Square, 1800s, 5 1/2 In., 6 Piece

Butterfly, Flower, Lozenge Shape, 7 1/4 In., 5 Piece

Figures, Bird, Flower, C.1850, 9 1/2 In., 9 Piece

Figures, Birds, Flowers, Rectangular, C.1850, 7 1/2 In., 5 Piece

Ginko Leaf, Bird, Flower, Book, 7 1/4 In.

Landscape, Rectangular, 8 3/4 In.

Mount Fuji, Blue, Gold, Early 1800s, 6 1/4 In.

Scallop Shell Shape, Lake, Landscape, C.1880, 6 1/2 In., 10 Piece

3 Friends, Cranes, Karako, Rectangular, Japan, Late 19th Century, 7 1/4 In., Pair

Fish, Nesting, Japan, 18 1/2 & 16 1/2 In.

Kirin, Cherry Tree, Rectangular, Japan, 1800s, 10 X 8 In.

Shrimp, Boat Shape, 13 In.

Set
Chrysanthemum, Central Medallion, Leaves, Flowers, C.1926, 9 1/2 In.

Set
Boat Shape, Polychrome, 20th Century, 12 1/4 In., 5 Piece

Set
Bird, Flowers, Clamshell Shape, Blue, White, 1690-1730, 3 1/4 In., 6 Piece

Set
3 Friends, Flower Border, Karakusa Exterior, Blue, White, C.1850, 7 In., 8 Piece

Imari Figure
Gama Sennin, Seated, Holding Frog, White Glaze, 7 1/2 In.

Imari Figure
Kwannon, Woman Holding Scroll, Phoenix & Cloud Robe, 19 3/4 In.

Imari Figurine
Shishi, Crouched On Gilt Rockery Base, 7 In.

Imari Figurine
Beautiful Woman, Court Costume, 13 1/2 In.

Imari Figurine
Beautiful Woman, Kimono, Dragons, Late 19th Century, 19 1/4 In.

Imari Figurine
Beautiful Woman, Kimono, Morning Glories, 19th Century, 17 In.

Imari Figurine
Geisha Wearing Kimono, Cat, 11 1/2 In.

Imari Fish Set
Late 19th Century, 17-in. Platter, 10-in. Plate, 7 Piece

Imari Fishbowl
Floral Reserve, Everted Rim, Gilt, Meiji, 18 x 19 1/2 In., Pair

Imari Fruit Bowl
Shell Shape, 10 In.

Imari Garden Seat
Multicolored, Pierced, Riveted Barrel Shape, 20th Century, 19 3/4 In., Pair

Imari Ginger Jar
Floral Panels, Ribbed Ground, Early 19th Century, 14 1/2 In.

Imari Ginger Jar
Arita Style, Blue & White, Floral, Dragons, Foo Dog Finial, 12 1/2 In.

Imari Ginger Jar
Polychrome, Warrior On Horse, Panel Of Birds & Flowers, Ball Finial, 13 In.

Imari Ginger Jar
Domed Cover, Mushroom Finial, Landscapes, Vertical Ribs, 1900s, 12 In.

Imari Ginger Jar
Finial Cover, 6 In.

Imari Hibachi
Scholars In Bamboo Grove, 10 In.

Temple, 32 1/2 In.

Temple, Birds In Flowers Panels, Vertical Rib, Foo Dog Finial, 19 In.

Flower, Butterfly Design, 7 1/4 In., Pair

Inverted Pear Shape, Melon Ribbing, Flowering Tree Design, 1800, 6 1/2 In.

Temple, Foo Lion Finial, 20 In., Pair

Cover, Floral Design, 7 5/8 In.

Rose Petal, 6 In.

Barrel Form, Flower Garden, Brocade Design, 1900, 7 In.

Cover, Bird, Floral & Foliate, Foo Dog Finial, 21 In.

Asymmetrical Panels, Florals, Gilt Tassels, 19th Century, 13 x 11 1/2 In.

Cover, Blue, Red & Gilt Floral, Celadon Foo Dog Finial, Egg Shape, 9 1/2 In.

Cover, Bridge & Bird In Tree, Red, Blue, Gilt Trim, 13 In.

Cover, Landscapes & Flowers, White Reserves, Gilt, Ribbed, 6 1/8 In.

Domed Cover, Floral Design, 19th Century, 12 In.

Domed Cover, Foo Dog Finial, Bluebirds, Roses, Butterflies, Gilt Trim, Signed, 14 In.

Domed Cover, Inverted Pear Shape, Kirin In Clouds, 24 1/2 In.

Domed Cover, Shishi Border, Floral Design, Hexagonal, 12 1/2 In.

Dragon Chasing The Flaming Pearl Of Wisdom, Octagonal, 8 In.

Flowering Tree Design, 19th Century, 6 In.

Rose, Cover, Polychrome, Panels, Late 19th Century, 10 3/4 In.

Domed Cover, Dragon, Peonies, Bamboo, Cylindrical, Polychrome, C.1912, 12 3/4 In.

Tomato Red Panels, Polychrome, Dog Finials, 7 1/2 In., Pair

Cover, Ribbed, Shishi Finials, Japan, 19th Century, 26 In., Pair

Dome Cover, Inverted Pear Shape, Melon Ribbing, Bird, Flower, 1800s, 16 In.

Brocade Ground, Inverted Pear Shape, 8 In.

Cover, 19th Century, 10 In.

Lid, Birds, Flowers, Urn Shape, Fluted, Finial, Blue & Gold Ground, C.1870, 17 In.

Mounted As Lamp, Late 19th Century, 12 1/4 X 26 In.

8-sided, Peony, Fruit Tree, Figural & Iris Band, Japan, Early 1700s, 22 In.

Cover, Animals, Birds, Flowers, Blue Ground, Gilt Accents, Japan, 18th Century, 17 1/2 In.

Cover, Dragon, Brocade Bands, 19th Century, 18 1/2 In.

Cover, Phoenix, Late 19th Century, 8 1/2 X 6 1/2 In., Pair, Illustrated

diniere
Blue, Orange & Yellow, 19th Century, 9 1/2 In.

diniere
Oriental Design, 8 In.

diniere
Cobalt Blue, Orange, Gold, Silver Plate Rim, 9 X 4 1/2 In.

diniere
Floral Design, Hexagonal Form, 6 In.

diniere
Bird & Floral Design, 19th Century, 16 1/4 In.

diniere
Flowers, Bird, & Landscape, 14 x 19 In.

diniere
Ormolu Mounted, Landscape, Dragon Form Handles, 14 In.

diniere
Deer, Floral, Egg Shape, Cobalt Cartouches, Leaves, C.1910, 8 1/2 x 10 In.

diniere
Garden Scenes, Bulbous, Medallions, Late 19th Century, 11 1/2 In.

diniere
Underglaze Blue, Lacquer Paint, Reserves Of Flowers, 1860s, 9 3/4 In.

diniere
Polychrome, Lobed, C.1926, 15 1/4 In., Pair

diniere
Ribbed Form, Flower Molded Edge, 1800s, 8 x 12 In.

diniere
Dragon, Samurai, 19th Century, 16 In.

diniere
Flowers, Geometrics, Winged Horses, Clouds, 3 Scalloped Feet, 15 X 21 In.

diniere Base
Cobalt Blue & Orange Floral, 24 1/2 In.

Imari Jug
Cream, Cover, Prunus Design, Pear Shape, 5 In.

Imari Jug
Inverted Pear Shape, Melon Ribbed Body, Dome Cover, Lion Finial, 1800s, 27 In., Pair

Imari Lamp
Vase, Flowers, Blue, Gold, Rust, Green, 32 In.

Imari Mug
Floral, Bulbous, 19th Century, 3 1/2 In.

Imari Mug
Floral, Blue & Red Cartouches, Ear Handle, C.1800, 6 1/2 In.

Imari Pitcher
Floral Spray, Iron Red & Cobalt Blue, White Ground

Imari Planter
Tapered, Potted Flowers, Birds, 11 1/2 X 15 In.

11 In.

8 1/2 In.

Pierced Edge, 9 In.

Polychrome, 11 5/8 In.

Scenic, Blue, White, Red, Octagonal, 10 1/4 In.

4 Character Mark, 9 In.

Octagonal, 11 1/2 In.

Scalloped, 8 1/2 In.

Floral Panel Design, Cobalt Blue, Scalloped Rim, C.1850

Fluted Edge, Scalloped Rim, C.1840, 10 1/2 In.

Scalloped Edge, C.1870, 14 In.

Birds & Flowers, Hand Painted, Gold, 9 In.

Chidori, Wave Design, 9 In., Pair

Chrysanthemum, Brocade Ball Design Surrounded By Karakusa, 9 1/2 In.

Fish, Flower Design, 9 1/2 In.

Floral, With Pheasant, Black Background, 8 In.

Gourd, Leaf Center Surrounded By Figural Landscape, 10 In.

Leaf Shape, Grapevine, Squirrel, Leaf Design, 9 In.

Passion Flower Center Surrounded By Butterflies, 8 1/2 In.

Passion Flower Design, 8 1/4 In.

Scalloped Edge, Octagonal, 13 In.

Symbolic Design, Blue, White, 7 In.

Flower Shape, Brocade Design, Raised Chrysanthemum Center, 19th Century, 9 In.

Flower Shape, Floral Center Surrounded By Brocade Design, 8 1/4 In.

Flower Shape, Floral Transfer Center, Flower Border, 19th Century, 8 1/2 In.

Flower Shape, Garden Design, 11 In., 9 Piece

Foo Dog & Bird Reserves, Fluted, 8 1/2 In.

Gadroon Border, Ironstone, Geo. Ashworth, 1920s, 8 Piece

Kirin Center, Surrounded By Fans, 7 1/2 In., 5 Piece

La Dame Au Parasol, China, 1770-1775, 9 1/8 & 9 3/8 In., Pair

Prunus, Bamboo, Chrysanthemums, Polychrome, Late 19th Century, 8 1/4 In.

Fan Designs & Phoenix Birds, 2 Piece

Floral Design, Porcelain, 8 1/2 In.

Oranges, Cobalt Blue, 8 1/2 In.

Alternating Floral, Brocade, Garden Trellis, Blue, Gilt Floral Center, 13 In.

Floral Center, Floral Border, Scalloped Edge, 19th Century, 8 1/2 In.

Floral Spray, Butterfly, Floral Border With Swimming Carp, 1 1/2 x 11 3/8 In.

Flower Form, Brush & Floral Center, 8 1/2 In.

Flower Form, Peach Center, Porcelain, 19th Century, 9 1/2 In.

Flowers, Bird Border Reserves, 1850-1875, 9 5/8 In.

Hundred Butterflies, Allover Butterflies & Insects, Multicolored Enamels, 8 1/4 In.

Nobleman Crossing Bridge, Flowering Foliage, 8 1/2 In., 6 Piece

Scalloped & Fluted, 13 1/2 In.

Birds In Tree, Blue & White, 12 In.

Border Of Prunus Flowers Surrounding Medallion, Brick Red Ground, 12 In.

Fish & Birds, Blue & White, Scalloped, 12 In.

Floral Design, Blue Underglaze Ground, Pie Crust Edge, 11 1/4 In.

Floral Spray, Crabs, 9 1/4 In., Pair

Flower, Tendrils, Blue Underglaze, Enamel, Leaf Edges, Square, 8 1/2 In, Pair

Flowers, Bamboo, Reticulated, 8 7/8 In.

Flowers, Blue, Iron Red, Gilt Highlights, 18th Century, 12 In.

God & Goddesses, Border, Scalloped, 12 In.

Octagonal, Fan & Landscapes, Scalloped, Octagonal, 11 1/2 In.

3 Scenic Panels, Blue & White, 1870, 15 1/4 In.

Basket With Bonsai Tree, Birds & Plants, Cut Corners, Square, 10 1/4 x 10 1/4 In.

Blue Dragon Center, 3 Medallions, Gold Horse Borders, 1800, 9 3/4 In.

Chop, Orange Flowers, 4 Reserves, Bird, Branch, 2 Foo Dogs, 21 5/8 In.

Crossed Bamboo Sticks, Morning Glory Vine, Blue & White, 1830, 7 3/4 In.

Fish Form, Enamel, 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 In.

Floral Panels, Scalloped Rim, 20th Century, 10 3/4 In., Pair

Flowering Tree, Blue Medallions Around Border, Square, 1860, 11 In.

Flowers, Leaves, Iron Red, Cobalt Blue, Cartouches, Gilt Vine Band, 11 In., Pair

Flowers, Tree, Bird, Rocks, Blue & White, 1870, 16 In.

Garden Scene Center, Diapering Rim, Square, 1860, 9 3/4 In.

Mums, Red & Gold, Blue Divides Mum Panels, 1820, 8 3/4 In.

Octagonal, Blue & Polychrome Enamel, 1870s, 12 1/2 In.

Pine, Bamboo, Plum Trees, Red & Gold Trim, 1860, 15 3/4 In.

Raised Floral, Blue, White, Gilt, Square, 10 3/4 In.

Sweetmeat, Alternating Tree, Plant Reserves, C.1900, 8 5/8 x 8 1/2 In., Pair

Blue, Red Flowers Triangular Cartouches, 19th Century, 8 1/2 In., 9 Piece

Central Stylized Tree, Landscape Panels, 8 Sides, 10 1/4 In.

Flower, Butterfly, Rising Sun, Flower Form, 11 In.

Flowers, Cobalt Blue, Gilt Petal Borders, C.1900, 8 1/2 In., Pair

Landscape, Flowers, 18th Century, 9 In., Pair

Phoenix Center, Flower Transfer Border, 7 1/2 In., 6 Piece

Scalloped Rim, Flower Design, Japan, 8 1/2 In., 12 Piece

Serving, Scalloped Rim, Morning Glories, 11 In.

Square, Cobalt Decoration, Scalloped Corners, Central Medallion, 12 x 12 In.

Basket Of Flowers Center, Flowerhead Shape, Japan, 19th Century, 12 In.

Bird, Flower Garden, Dragons, Phoenix, 1868-1912, 12 In.

Center Blue Dragon, 4 Alternating Designs, Fukagawa, Late 19th Century, 8 1/2 In.

Flower Basket Center, 9 1/2 In.

Flower Centers, Fish, Sea Grasses, C.1850, 4 1/2 In., Pair

Flower Shape, 3 Friends, Urns, Dragons, 1800s, 8 1/2 In., Pair

Flower Shape, 6 Poets, Bamboo Grove, 19th Century, 8 1/2 In., 12 Piece

Flower Shape, Pinwheel Design, 19th Century, 8 1/2 In.

Flower Shape, Shou Center, Books, Scrolls, 1800s, 8 1/2 In., Pair

Flower Vase Center, Flower Brocade Border, Chinese, 1700s, 9 1/4 In.

Flowers, Red & Orange Enamels, Gilt, Japan, 1700s, 9 In., 10 Piece

Fukagawa, Scalloped Edges, Ribbed, Signed, C.1820

Pomegranate Center, Stylized Flowers, 1800s, 10 In., Pair

Bird, Flower, Fan Shape, C.1750, 6 1/2 In., Pair

Bird, Flower, Fan Shape, C.1750, 7 3/4 In., Pair

Bird, Flower, Fan Shape, C.1750, 8 1/2 In., Pair

Chrysanthemum, Phoenix, Brocade Work, Early 1900s, 9 3/4 In.

Figures, Birds, Flowers, C.1850, 8 1/2 In., 8 Piece

Flower Basket Center Design, Scalloped Edge, Square, 19th Century, 17 In.

Flowers, Scalloped Border, Cobalt Blue, Red, Vase, Square 13 In.

Octagonal, Cartouche Border, Center Figures In Garden Scene, C.1875, 12 1/2 In.

Prunus Tree, Cloud, 9 1/2 In.

Fish, Cobalt Blue, Iron Red, Green Highlights, Late 19th Century, 9 1/4 X 7 1/2 In., Illustrated

Hunting Scene, Chinese, 17th Century, 8 3/4 In.

Painted, Blue Flowers, Chinese, 18th Century, 9 1/4 In., Pair

Set
Birds, Flowers, 9 In., 6 Piece

Set
Flowers, Scalloped Edge, 9 5/8 In., 6 Piece

Set
Shishi, Birds, Flowers, Japan, Late 19th Century, 9 In., 6 Piece

Imari Platter
Polychrome, Japan, 7 1/4 In.

Imari Platter
Fish Form, 23 In.

Imari Platter
Fish, Underwater Scene, Water Lilies, Oval, Large

Imari Platter
Alternating Panels Of Figures & Foliage, Trellis Work Ground, 18 In.

Imari Platter
Cobalt Blue & Iron Red, Staffordshire, 13 1/4 In.

Imari Platter
Fish Shape, Crane, Wave Design, 14 1/2 In.

Imari Platter
Ironstone, 19th Century, 20 1/4 In.

Imari Platter
Garden Scene, Butterflies, Reverse Designs, 14 x 11 In.

Imari Platter
Graduated Nest Of Four, 1820-1825, 10 1/4 x 13 x 15 1/4 In.

Imari Platter
2 Panels, Bird, Branch & Deer, Flowers, Cobalt, Red & Gold, 16 x 12 5/8 In.

Imari Platter
Birds, Bridge & Flowers, Scalloped, Square, 11 1/4 x 11 1/2 In.

Imari Platter
Gilt Birds Borders, Octagonal, 9 1/2 x 11 1/4 In.

Imari Platter
Flowers, Oval, White Ground, C.1840, 18 1/2 In.

Imari Platter
Oval, Multicolored, Pierced, C.1900, 15 3/8 In.

Imari Platter
8-sided, Gilt Chrysanthemum, Flowers, 15 1/4 X 11 1/4 In.

Imari Platter
Meat, Footed, Blue, Orange, Gold, Green, 20 1/2 X 17 In.

Imari Platter
Multicolored, Ring Decorated Border, Oval, Japan, 11 1/2 X 13 3/4 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Ho-o Birds & Blossoms, Brocade Border, Scalloped, 14 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Polychrome, 13 3/4 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Bird & Floral Design, Scalloped Rim, 19th Century, 10 1/4 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Blue & White, 19th Century, 15 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Medallions Of Flowers, Riverscapes, 13 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Japanese Figures, Cobalt Blue & White

Imari Punch Bowl
3 Birds, Cherry Blossom Interior, 20th Century, 11 3/8 x 6 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Flower Basket Center, Brocade, Shishi Ground, 12 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Carnations & Mums, Pheasants, Gold Overglaze, Teak Base, 15 3/4 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Flower Center, Scalloped, 6 Cartouches, Cobalt Blue, 6 x 13 1/2 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Chrysanthemum, Polychrome, C.1926, 6 3/4 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Crane & Tortoise Inside, Peonies & Brocadework Out, 1800s, 14 1/2 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Flower Scrolling, Brocade Patterns, Japan, 1800s, 12 1/2 In.

Imari Punch Bowl
Peacock & Flowers Interior, Phoenix & Flower Exterior, Japan, 1800s

Imari Punch Bowl
Samurai Panels, Scalloped Rim, C.1890, 15 x 6 1/2 In.

Imari Sake Bottle
Figural Landscape, Pine Branch Finial, Rectangular, 18th Century, 9 1/4 In.

Imari Sake Bottle
3 Chinese Characters, 1800s, 11 In.

Imari Sake Bottle
Birds, Flowers, Square Shape, 1700s, 9 1/2 In.

Imari Sake Bottle
Enameled Leafy Vines, Kiyomizu Ware, 1800s, 9 1/4 In.

Imari Sake Bottle
Flowers, Floating In Stream, Kakiemon Decoration, Japan, 1800s, 6 1/2 In.

Imari Sake Bottle
Gourd Shape, Leaves, Kakiemon Style Design, 1700s, 8 3/4 In.

Imari Sake Bottle
Hotei & Bag Of Wealth Shape, 1700s, 8 In.

Imari Sake Cup
Figures, Landscape, Flowers, C.1800, 2 In.

Imari Sake Cup Set
Butterfly, Flowers, Kirwood Box, 19th Century

Imari Sauce
Tree Design, Rectangular, 7 In.

Imari Sauce
Floral Rondels, 5 1/2 In., 4 Piece

Imari Sauce
Passion Flower, Figures, Birds, Flowers, C.1850, 4 3/4 In., 9 Piece

Imari Serving Bowl
Oval, 11 X 7 1/2 In.

Imari Serving Dish
Carp Design, Oval, 14 1/2 In.

Imari Serving Dish
Leaves, Open Handles, Square, England, 1815, 7 In., Pair

Imari Serving Dish
Crane & Flower Design, Phoenix, Paulowinia Centers, 12 In., Pair

Imari Serving Dish
Floral & Bird Design, Paneled Border, 11 x 13 1/2 In., Pair

Imari Serving Dish
Shell Shape, Flowers, Meiji, C.1900, 10 In.

Imari Serving Dish
Boat Shape, Fan Form Cartouches, Flowers, Fish, 19th Century, 11 In., Pair

Imari Serving Dish
Grape Vines, Oblong, Scalloped Rim, Blue, Iron Red, 10 & 12 In., 2 Piece

Imari Serving Dish
Bird, Garden, Flower Border, Rectangular, Late 1800s, 11 1/2 X 13 1/4 In.

Imari Serving Dish
Cover, 8 In.

Imari Serving Dish
Lobed, 10 In.

Imari Soup
Dish, Poets, Pine Tree Landscape, 19th Century, 4 1/2 In., 12 Piece

Imari Stand
Umbrella, Bird & Floral Design, Iron Red & Blue, 1880s, 24 In.

Imari Sugar
Polychrome, Gilt, Japan, 4 3/4 In.

Imari Sugar
Blue, Gold, Red On White, Silver Bail Handle & Cover, England

Imari Tazza
Butterflies, Figures, Chrysanthemum Border, Flared Pedestal, 7 3/4 x 9 1/2 In.

Imari Tazza
Footed, 8-point Star Shape, Circular Foot, Brocade Design, 1800s, 8 1/2 In.

Imari Tea Caddy
Insert

Imari Tea Caddy
Blue & Red Flowers, Gilded Rims, Cover, Round, C.1720, 3 3/4 x 5 In.

Imari Tea Service
Painted, Flowering Branches, C.1815, 26 Piece

Imari Teapot
Ribbed Melon, 18th Century

Imari Teapot
19th Century, 4 1/2 In.

Imari Teapot
Cover, Russet Bird, Perched On Rock, Flowering Peonies, C.1760, 5 In.

Imari Teapot
Floral Design, Globular, 19th Century, 5 In.

Imari Temple Jar
Figural Panels, Karakusa Ground, 27 1/2 In.

Imari Temple Jar
Cover, Flower Basket, Inverted Pear Shape, Sunputei, Mark, C.1800, 27 In.

Imari Temple Jar
Orange, Cobalt, Foo Dog Finial, 11 1/2 In.

Imari Temple Jar
Cover, 6-sided, Polychrome, Japan, 15 In.

Imari Tray
Polychrome, Montplaisir, Brussels, 1786-1790, 14 1/2 In.

Imari Tray
Peony, Shishi, Dragon Design, Square, 10 1/4 In.

Imari Tray
Polychrome, Scalloped Open Handles, Foo Dogs, Flowers, Vines, Gold Trim, 14 In.

Imari Tray
2 Birds On Rocks, Flowers, Round, 13 In.

Imari Tray
Upturned Rim, Double Handles, C.1920, 13 1/4 In. ~illus

Imari Tray
Multicolored, Flowers, Bow Handles, Japan, 16 In.

Imari Tureen
Peach Sprig Finial Cover, Blue Loop Handles, 1750, 9 3/16 In.

Imari Tureen
Domed Lid, Handles, Mason, 1840

Imari Tureen
Oval, Scenic Medallion, Handles, 12 3/4 In.

Imari Tureen
Sauce, Exhibition Piece, Signed, C.1870

Imari Tureen
Flowers, Rocks, Green, Blue, Yellow, Red, Gold, Japan, 1700s, 12 1/2 In.

Imari Umbrella Holder
Blue & White, Deer, Woods, Cylindrical, 24 x 8 1/2 In.

Imari Umbrella Stand
Blue & White, 24 In.

Imari Umbrella Stand
19th Century, 24 In.

Imari Umbrella Stand
Cobalt Blue Design, Phoenix, Dragons, Medallions, Flowers, 24 In.

Imari Umbrella Stand
Allover Cobalt Blue & Iron Red Floral, Banding At Top, 24 In.

Imari Umbrella Stand
Cobalt Blue, Orange, 4 Floral Reserves, 24 1/2 In.

Imari Umbrella Stand
Hexagonal Panels, Gold Pheasants, Dragons, Flowers, Plants, 25 In.

Imari Umbrella Stand
Ribbed, Blue, Red, Gilt, Japan, 19th Century, 23 In.

Imari Umbrella Stand
Multicolored, Ribbed, Cylindrical, 20th Century, 22 1/4 In.

Imari Umbrella Stand
Birds In Garden, Enameled, Multicolored, 19th Century, 23 1/2 In.

Imari Umbrella Stand
Vase, Flowers, Pheasant, 19th Century, 24 X 9 1/2 In.

Imari Urn
Allover Floral Design, 12 In., Pair

Imari Urn
Cover, Alternating Panels, Traditional Colors, C.1880, 12 In.

Imari Urn
Domed Cover, Foo Dog Finial, Oval Body, C.1900, 20 1/2 In.

Imari Urn
Cover, Domed Cover, Foo Dog Finial, Oval Body, C.1900, 20 1/2 In. ~illus

Imari Urn
Red, Green, Mauve, Cobalt Blue, Gold, Flower Panels, Birds, 36 1/2 In.

Blue, White, Red, Frilly Rim, 15 In., Pair

Cover, Hexagonal, 19th Century, 13 1/2 In.

Floor, Peacock Design

Gilt Bronze Lion Figural Mounts, 22 1/4 In.

High Shoulder, Japan, 19th Century, 23 In.

Ovoid, Fan Design, 22 In.

Temple, Ruffle Top, Pair

Bottle, 3 1/2 In.

Faceted, 4 In.

Multiform Panels Over Floral Ground, 19th Century, 30 In.

Foo Dog Mask Handles, C.1815, 5 In.

Geometric & Foliate Pattern, Cylindrical Form, 18 In..

Panel Design, Handles, C.1835, 9 In.

Scalloped Rim, Flared Rim, C.1860, 12 1/2 In.

Trumpet Mouth, Signed, C.1900, 30 1/2 In., Pair

Trumpet Shape, Flared Rim, 1805, 10 In.

Floral Cartouche, Serrated Rim, Foliate Handles, 19th Century, 27 1/2 In., Pair

Floral Design, Fluted, 13 In.

Fluted Tops, 6 In., Pair

Lobed Form With Branches, 19 In.

4 Diapered Panels, Alternating Groups, Floral & Dragon Reserves, 7 1/2 In.

Baluster Form, 6 1/2 In., Pair

Bird, Floral Designs, Dragon In Relief, Late 19th Century, 26 3/4 In.

Bud, Flared Rim, Vasiform Top, Base Fitted With 4 Holes, 5 3/4 In., 2 Part

Dragon, Bird, Signed, 19 In.

Fowl, Lacquered Panels, 13 1/2 In., Pair

4 Floral Reserved, Baluster, C.1900, 10 1/2 In.

Baluster, Porcelain, 1840-1860, 6 3/4 In., Pair

Flower Filled Basket, Leaf Design, Porcelain, 12 1/4 In.

Flowerhead Design, Baluster, Porcelain, 1880-1885, 9 1/2 In.

Palace, Ruffled Rim, Figures On Floral Ground, 37 1/2 In.

Raised Floral Design, Double Gourd Shape, 6 1/2 In.

Stick Neck, Bulbous, Blue Floral, Off-white Ground, 18th Century, 8 1/2 In.

2 Men Play Music In Garden, 3 Children, Pink & Green Flowers, Black, 15 In.

Allover Floral, Tree, Peonies, Cobalt Border, Ruffled Rim, 18 1/2 x 8 In.

Arita Style, Blue & White, Raised Dragon On Both Sides, 12 x 6 1/2 In.

Bird, Insect & Floral, Spherical Base, 18 In.

Blue Floral Panels, Art Deco Brass Base, Late 19th Century, 9 1/4 x 6 In.

Blue, Red & Gilt Floral Panels, Exotic Birds, Creatures, Mounted As Lamp, 14 In.

Cover, Baluster, Birds & Floral Sprays, Gilt, 19th Century, 24 In.

Floral & Medallion, Bulbous, Narrow Tapering Neck, 6 1/2 In., Pair

Flower Panels, Ormolu Mounted, Dragon Form Handles, 6 Sides, 10 In., Pair

Foliate Design, Reserves Of Birds, Female Mask Handles, Late 19th Century, 9 In.

Ormolu Mounted, 6 Sides, Japan, 10 3/4 In., Pair

Overall Floral Brocading, Diapering Within Landscape Scene, 26 In.

Allover Floral, Red, Cobalt Blue, Gilt Trim, Baluster, 18 1/2 In.

Alternating Flowers, Rustic Buildings, Ribbed, Urn Shape, 18 1/2 In.

Baluster Shape, Ribbed, Splayed Rim, Enamel, Blue, Polychrome, Footed, 10 In.

Baluster, Stylized Flowers, Low Neck, Iron Red, Cobalt Blue, Gilt, 10 x 6 In., Pair

Cover, Chrysanthemum, Lotus Floral Design, Lappet Design At Base, 10 1/2 In.

Cover, Prunus, Chrysanthemum Design, Blue, Iron Red, Gold Enamel, 10 In.

Floral Rondels, Late 19th Century, 9 3/4 In.

Mirror, Blue Design, White Ground, Baluster, 4-character Mark, 12 In., Pair

Pavilion, Floral & Brocade, 10 In.

Peacocks & Brocade Design, Swirled Ribbed Shape, 19th Century, 12 In.

Trumpet Form, Carp & Prunus Panels, 19th Century, 37 In.

Various Bold Brocades, 19th Century, 8 1/4 In.

Birds, Flower Reserves, Bulbous Base, Flared Trumpet Top, Scalloped, 26 In.

Chrysanthemums, Scalloped Body, Underglaze, Blue & Iron Red, 25 1/4 In., Pair

Cranes, Other Birds, Cartouches, Oval, Pedestal Base, 1880, 15 3/4 In., Pair

Domed Cover, Painted Flowering Benches, Oval, 1840, 26 1/2 In.

Dragon At Top, Red & Blue Panels, Bottle Form, 12 In.

Floral, Red, Orange & Dark Blue, Ribbed Base, 8 1/8 In., Pair

Flowers, Trees, Baluster Shape, Alternating Panels, C.1690, 19 In.

Splayed & Leaf Rim, Ribbed Body, Unglazed Foot, Enamel, 1870s, 9 1/2 In.

Swimming Carps, Green Net, Waisted Neck, Oval, 37 1/2 In.

Bottle, Lobed, Red, Green, Aubergine Enamels, 19th Century, 11 In., Pair

Cobalt Blue & Rust, On White Ground, C.1860, 14 7/8 In., Pair ~illus

Cover, Shaped Cartouches, Bird & Flower Design, Oval, Japan, 8 1/2 In.

Double Gourd, Floral, Brocade, Insect, Meiji, 8 3/4 In.

Dragons, Birds, Baluster, 18 1/2 x 9 In.

Flower Panel, Cylindrical Neck, Faceted Body 19th Century, 14 1/2 In.

Flying Storks, 15 In.

Foo Dog, Finial Lids, 18 In., Pair

Landscape, Lion’s Head Handles, Cylindrical, 11 3/4 In.

Mei Phing Shape, Chrysanthemums, Reserve Panels, Japan, 6 In., Pair

Ribbed Body, Traditional Enamels, Flower Panels, Buddhist Books, 9 1/2 In., Pair

Tear Shaped, Flowers, 19th Century, 12 1/2 In., Pair

Cylindrical, 2 Figural Reserves, Flower Ground, 1868-1912, C.1885, 12 In., Pair

Palace, Trumpet Form, Carp Design, 1800s, 36 1/2 In.

Pencil Neck, Orange Flowers, Blue Leaves, 19th Century, 5 1/2 In.

Phoenixes, Dragons, Japan, 1800s, 18 In.

Ribbed, Pavilions In Gardens, Peony Trees, Japan, 1800s, 18 1/2 In.

Women, Children, Phoenixes, Dragons, Flowers, Japan, 1800s, 15 In.

Birds, Trees, Floral Neck, Swirling Base Bands, 4 Round Reserves, 25 In.

Chrysanthemum, Teardrop Shape, 11 In.

Egg Shape, Flared Rim, Red Over Blue Design, C.1860, 12 In.

Exotic Birds, Leaves, Painted Panels, 20th Century, 17 X 4 In.

Flowers, Trees, Gilded Accents, C.1870, 14 1/2 In.

Flowers, Trees, Oval, Ribbed, Scalloped, Flared Rim, 1800s, 12 5/8 In., Pair

Landscapes, Birds, Flared Neck, Egg Shape Body, C.1850, 30 1/2 In., Pair

Mounted As Fluid Lamp, Electrified, 15 In., Pair

Ribbed Body, Floral Panels, Gilt Detail, 14 1/2 In., Pair

Baluster Shape, Geisha Under Cherry Trees, Birds, 18 5/8 In., Pair

Brocade Pattern, Globular, Slender Neck, 19th Century, 10 In.

Cover, Baluster, Japan, C.1700, 24 3/4 In., Pair

Egg Shape, Cylindrical Neck, Maple Leaf, Flowers, Ho Birds, C.1850, 17 1/2 In., Pair

Flowers, Leaves, Japan, 1800s, 9 3/4 In., Pair

Hand Painted Designs, 7 1/2 In., Pair

Hand Painted, Mounted As Lamp, Japan, 20th Century, 15 In.

Ho Bird, Urn, Maple, Chrysanthemum, C.1860, 24 1/2 In., Pair

Molded Flower Sprig, Multicolored, Hexagonal, Japan, 1800s, 7 In., Pair

Square, Embossed Geisha, 9 In.

Trumpet Mouth, Dragon, Flower Ground, Late 1800s, 18 1/2 In.

Trumpet Shape, Melon Ribbing, Lions, Peonies, Japan, Early 1800s, 14 In, Pair

Double Gourd
Floral Design, Early 18th Century, Japan, 12 1/2 In.

Antique Sevres Porcelain

Monday, May 11th, 2009

Sevres
In the 19th century Sevres remained the pre-eminent porcelain factory in France both in quality and in innovation. Receiving state subsidies and patronage, it employed many eminent chemists, who developed new pastes, glazes, and decorative techniques, which kept the factory in the forefront of fashion. However, during this period there was an increasing divide between domestic or utilitarian wares and the very elaborate ornamental pieces, such as vases and large services, made for the State, for international exhibitions, and as diplomatic gifts.
A Plate from the Service des P6ches painted by L. Garneray This plate illustrates how the Sevres painters continued the late 18th-century tradition of using porcelain primarily as a medium for painting However, the motifs are no longer strictly Classical as they would have been during the 18th century Such an elaborate piece as this would have been used only for display in a cabinet.
(1840, diam. 24.5cm19lin; value J)
THE RESTORATION PERIOD
After France’s monarchy was restored in 1815, the country enjoyed a period of relative prosperity and stability until the 1840s. The Sevres factory continued to produce wares in the Empire style in the 1820s and 1830x, and continued the fashion of treating porcelain as a medium for painting; restrained Neo-classical forms were decorated all over, with little or none of the porcelain left showing. The royal family commissioned large display services, each piece painted with a scene surrounded by gilt borders with motifs such as acanthus, eagles, and trophies. However, portraits of the imperial family, and scenes commemorating the battles and deeds of the Emperor, were replaced by views of France, birds, or scenes of various crafts and trades. The finest examples of this style are the table or breakfast services illustrating industries, agriculture, and history for the palace of Fontainebleau.
The mixture of Classical, Egyptian, and chinoiserie motifs already evident in porcelain decoration before 1830 became more apparent and more complex with the introduction of Gothic and Renaissance Revival shapes
and motifs, such as grotesques and miniature
pinnacles and (rockets. Vases were painte
in imitation of 16th-century Limoges enamels with grotesques, flower swags, mythological scenes, and
scrollwork in grey on blue; this
was so successful that a specialis
enamelling workshop was set up
which operated between 1845
and 1872. Table services made
in the 1830s and 1840s for the
Duke of Orleans and the Duke
of Nemours, based on 18th-
century Rococo designs by Jean- Claude Duplessis (1690-1774), marked the revival of Rococo. From the 1840s the fashion for
treating porcelain as a canvas for painting declined. Areas of white porcelain again
became visible, particularly on everyday services. For example, the large services made for the royal residences (including those for staff use) tended to be simply ornamented, with a gilt or blue royal monogram in the centre and gold-leaf borders around the rims. This decoration was printed rather than painted, since from (.1845 the lithographic process was in use at Sevres, allowing printing in several colours.
THE SECOND REPUBLIC AND SECOND EMPIRE During the Second Republic (1848-52) Sevres suffered financial problems because there was little demand for luxury goods. Production increased again during the Second Empire ( 1852-70), when much of the factory’s output was intended either for the residences of Emperor Napoleon III, and as diplomatic gifts, or for display in the many international exhibitions. Plain domestic wares were also made in large quantities.
During the directorship of the chemist Victor Regnauld during the Second Empire there were several important developments in manufacturing and decoration. The production of soft paste was revived, although mainly at an experimental level, and slip-casting was introduced, meaning that very thin or large hollow pieces could be made. In the 1850s the chemist Alphonse-Louis Salvetat created a flambe glaze imitating Chinese porcelain, which was perfected in the 1880s; underglaze brown colours and coloured pastes imitating marble and hardstones were also introduced. One of the most popular techniques created during the 1850s was pate-sur pate: a process of building up a design in low relief on a tinted ground by applying layer upon laver of white slip and carving the details before firing.
From 1852 the Rococo Revival was the most popular style. The 18th-century forms were reproduced for tablewares and vases, but the gilding and decoration of scrolls, shells, figures, and flowers is more crowded and exaggerated than on original 18th-century pieces. The factory revived landscape panels with figures in the manner of the Rococo artists Watteau and Boucher, as well as coloured grounds, particularly turquoise and pink. Factories in Germany and France that had bought the white wares earlier sold off by Sevres to alleviate its financial problems copied this style in the late 19th century; these copies are usually described by dealers and auctioneers as “Sevres”, too, or as “Sevres-style”.
There was also a revival of the Pompeian and Classical Greek styles between 1845 and 1855, evident in the use of motifs and designs based on engravings of the antiquities of Pompeii. However, the shapes are not always Classical in inspiration, and the colours and decorative techniques, such as painting in matt colours on biscuit porcelain to imitate Classical vases, are different from those used in the 18th-century Neoclassical period. The factory was able to keep up with fashion because it had retained the moulds of Neoclassical wares produced in the late 18th century under Louis XVI. This also led to a limited revival of biscuit porcelain figures c.1860.
THE LATE 19TH CENTURY
After the establishment of France’s Third Republic in 1871 the factory continued largely to produce ornamental pieces for embassies, ministries, and government buildings, as well as simpler pieces as prizes for lotteries and public competitions.
In 1877 the sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse 1824-87) was appointed director. He introduced Japanese-inspired designs that contrasted strongly with the overdecorated pieces in a confused mixture of historical styles. The factory also developed a new paste in the 1880s, which was fired at the lower temperature. This made possible an increased range of colours and the perfection of the flambe glazes imitating Oriental porcelain. These wares were particularly fashionable in the 1880s, when there was a vogue for Japanese art.
SEVRES COPIES
Many thousands of imitations of the 18th-century Sevres style were produced by French and other European manufacturers in the 19th century. After the Revolution huge numbers of blank Sevres wares were sold off to decorators. Later decorated pieces tend to have poorer-quality decoration and gilding and, if a piece has been refired, there is usually black speckling on the base.
he Restoration period
• BODY fine, white hard paste with a clear, glassy glaze; some items made in soft paste and coloured pastes imitating marble and hardstones
• STYLE continuation of Empire style, with introduction of Rococo, Gothic, and Renaissance elements
• FIGURES biscuit portraits and busts in the 18th-century Neo-classical style
Marks
This mark was used from 1834 to 1848; the letters “LP’ stand for “Louis-Philippe”, who succeeded to the French throne in 1830
The Second Republic and Second Empire
• STYLE Rococo Revival, often combined with Gothic and Renaissance motifs
• DECORATION painting of landscapes in the style of Watteau and Boucher, or large flowers, with gilding, coloured grounds, and scrollwork; pate-sur-pate
• FIGURES small classically inspired biscuit figures revived c.1860
The late 19th century
• STYLE continuation of mid-19th-century styles; Japanesque
• DECORATION plain grounds and glazes in pure colours for Japanese-style wares; Art Nouveau stylized flower motifs in pastel shades

Antique English Majolica

Sunday, May 10th, 2009

Majolica
Although the English word “majolica” derives from “maiolica”, the term for Italian tin-glazed pottery, the inspiration for this purely Victorian phenomenon in fact came from several quarters: not only Italian Renaissance pottery but also the pottery of the Frenchman Bernard Palissy (c.1510-90), who was famous for dishes with realistically applied reptiles, crustacea, and vegetation. Closer to home, the pottery of the Staffordshire makers Thomas Whieldon (1719-95) and Ralph Wood (1715-72) was also influential. Elements of each of these were combined in the late 1840s into a decorative ceramics material that enjoyed great popularity in mid-Victorian Britain. Majolica was also made in France, Germany, and the USA, where it is popular with collectors.
IMPORTANT PRODUCERS
Majolica was produced by many small manufacturers, but three Staffordshire factories - Minton & Co. (est. 1798), Wedgwood (est. 1759), and George Jones & Sons (est. 1861) - dominated the market and between them account for most of today’s collectable pieces. Minton and Wedgwood, the
largest makers of ornamental pottery in Staffordshire, made excellent majolica ware, and indeed both claimed to have invented it. Monumental pieces by Minton astounded visitors at such important international exhibitions as the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. Huge fountains with life-sized human and animal figures formed centrepieces at the major trade shows, surrounded by other furnishings and sometimes by whole tiled rooms that glowed with the coloured glazes. Such pieces were too expensive for profitable production and were intended primarily to enhance the companies’ prestige at such events. The third important maker is less well known outside this specialist field. George Jones & Sons in Stoke-on-Trent produced some of the finest majolica, but made little else of note and consequently had nothing to fall back on when the fashion for majolica declined at the end of the 19th century. Other British factories that produced majolica, but as a sideline to their mainstream production, include Spode (under the name of Copeland, from the 1840s to the 20th century) in Stoke-on-Trent, and the Worcester Royal Porcelain Co. (est. 1862).
Staffordshire figures
The popularity of porcelain figures in Britain during the 19th century led to a demand for less expensive imitations for the mass market, and the Staffordshire potteries obliged by making exact reproductions of the fine-quality figures made by porcelain factories such as Derby. The rustic charm of Staffordshire figures proved popular at the time, and successive generations have continued to enjoy collecting these generally inexpensive mantelpiece ornaments.
BOCAGE AND SQUARE-BASED FIGURES
The products of John Walton’s factory in Burslem (active 1810-30s) were typical of early 19th-century Staffordshire figures. Copying the tradition set by Chelsea and Derby, the factory included flowering trees, a feature known as “bocage”, behind its figures. Classical deities and allegorical figures (such as the popular set of three female figures representing “Faith”, “Hope”, and “Charity”), aimed at more educated customers, were usually mounted on the same style of square base edged with a brown line. Rustic groups of children playing and shepherdesses were mounted on similar bases or on raised green mounds with streams. Biblical characters proved immensely popular, especially “Elijah and the Widow”. One distinctive type of group, mounted on “table bases” (scroll-footed platforms), is conventionally referred to as being by Obadiah Sherratt (d.1841) after a potter who worked in Burslem from c.1815; however, it is now considered unlikely that Sherratt was responsible for the unmarked table-based models usually ascribed to him.
CHARACTERS AND FAMOUS PEOPLE
Victorian Staffordshire figures were intended to be viewed on a mantelpiece from the front only, and consequently the backs were neither modelled nor painted: hence the name “flatbacks” for such pieces. Many figures were simple but highly decorative images of children or lovers. However, from the 1840s there was a demand for portraits of famous people, whose features were copied from journals or the covers of popular printed music. In an age when the public rarely knew what famous people truly looked like, potters sometimes reused discontinued moulds to represent more topical individuals. Some figures were even wrongly named, such as a portrait of Benjamin Franklin labelled as George Washington.
Some popular figures were produced for many years and often require a close examination to determine whether they are earlier or later examples; this can greatly affect the value. There are many fake Staffordshire figures on the market, and it is important to learn the correct “feel” of genuine pieces, and to buy only from reputable dealers or auctioneers.
A Boy and “zebra”
This “flatback” figure portrays a schoolboy with a horse that has curiously been painted to resemble a zebra. Flatback
figures have little or no modelling on the back, a feature that made them easy to mass-produce. It was assumed that flatback pieces would stand on a mantelpiece above a fireplace, and this piece incorporates a spill vase at the back to hold the rolled-paper spills that were used in the 19th century for lighting the fire.
ORIGINAL AND FAKE STAFFORDSHIRE
• FORMS pairs of animals (very popular from the 1840s), portraits of royalty, politicians, military and naval heroes, sportsmen, theatrical celebrities, religious figures, notorious villains
• CENTRES OF PRODUCTION most figures were made
in the towns centred around Stoke-on-Trent, although a number were made in north-eastern England and Scotland
• COLLECTING a pair of figures will always be worth more than twice the price of a single piece; later examples are less sharply moulded than the originals, with particularly crude painting
• REPRODUCTIONS AND FAKES fake Staffordshire figures
are frequently made of pure white porcelain, stained to look old; “crazing” – a network of tiny cracks or veins in the surface glaze – affects most old figures, and fakers sometimes go to such lengths to reproduce it that they over-emphasize; the resulting effect is too regular and pronounced
Marks
Only a few Victorian Staffordshire figures are marked in any way, but research can identify some factories; earlier figures by John Walton and Ralph Salt (both active early 19th century) have their names impressed into a strap of clay at the back of the base COLOUR, GLAZE, AND TYPES
Majolica colours are not enamelled but are contained within the substance of the glaze. They are applied either as separate coloured glazes or as stains painted onto the body that are picked up by the viscous lead glazes. A sign of good-quality manufacture is that the glazes are well controlled, without blurring or dribbling. The usual majolica palette is blue (including a vivid turquoise), green, yellow, orange, black, and brown.
Majolica wares include jardinieres of every size and proportion, conservatory seats, vases, dishes, teapots, and tureens. To suit the high Victorian taste, factories vied with each other to cram ornament onto their wares, leading to the creation of extraordinary objects that are both beautiful
and bizarre. Such pieces are not to everyone’s
taste, but after years of neglect majolica
is now keenly collected and can be
surprisingly highly priced. Nothing
exemplifies the frivolity of majolica
better than the range of eccentric teapots
made by Minton and George Jones in the shape of Chinese people, monkeys, boats, fish, and cats. However, most were too costly for everyday use and survive because they were kept largely for display; some of these pieces fetch very high prices at auction.
• GLAZES semi-transparent lead
• PALETTE blue, green, yellow, brown, black, orange
• FORMS domestic wares: teapots, dishes, jugs, vases, dessert baskets, tazzas, centrepieces; umbrella stands; garden ornaments
• DECORATION highly ornamented with an eclectic range
• COLLECTING an exhibition in 1982 organized by the dealers Jeremy Cooper Ltd in London ignited interest in majolica and caused the international collector’s market to take off
• FAKES collectors should beware of unmarked pieces by minor makers that have been doctored by the addition of the Minton name etched or engraved through the glaze, in an attempt to pass them off as originals
Marks
Most of the larger producers marked their pieces; marks were usually impressed into the clay under the glaze and can therefore be difficult to see; George Jones & Sons did not always employ a company mark, but did use a distinctive design number, painted in black, usually positioned in the middle of the underside of the pieces; Wedgwood and Minton also impressed date marks into their pieces
George Jones & Sons (est. 1861)
A Vase and cover by Minton & Co.
This large ornamental vase is decorated in typical high Victorian taste, inspired by the designs of the Renaissance. Well modelled and superbly glazed in a typical, strong, majolica palette, the piece incorporates three seated Bacchic figures (one unseen here), rams’ heads, and thick leafy swags, with a cherub on the finial, and such Classical motifs as the Greek key pattern.

Antique English Wedgewood Stoneware

Sunday, May 10th, 2009

Wedgwood stoneware
NEO-CLASSICAL STONEWARE
By the 1760s Britain was in the early stages of Neoclassical fever, exemplified in the work of the Adam brothers in architecture, and greatly stimulated by the excavations of the Classical ruins at Herculaneum and Pompeii that had begun in 1738 and 1748 respectively. Seeking to capitalize on the popularity of the Neo- classical style, Wedgwood worked on the refinement of his stonewares throughout the 1760s and 1770s. His first success (c.1768) was black basalte, a fine-grained, unglazed stoneware stained with cobalt and manganese oxides. This type of ware was sometimes decorated with red figures, a style inspired by ancient Greek pottery.
Josiah Wedgwood (1730-95) almost single-handedly transformed British pottery-making into a highly
mechanized industry, which supplied
fine ceramic wares to a worldwide market. Throughout his life Wedgwood researched and experimented tirelessly with materials and methods of manufacture. The
enormous success of his factory was owed not only to his artistic abilities but also to the realization that a wide-based market catering for all levels of society was the key to advancement in such an erratic profession.
From 1754 to 1759 Wedgwood worked in partnership with the potter Thomas Whieldon (1719-95), making experimental and tortoiseshell wares. Because of a leg injury Wedgwood was unable to practise as a potter, and therefore spent much of his time developing pottery bodies and glazes, making very detailed recordings of his discoveries. By 1759 he had set up his own business at the Ivy House Works in Burslem, Staffordshire, where he made redware, Whieldon-type ware with translucent lead glazes, blackware, salt-glazed stoneware, and creamware (cream-coloured earthenware). In 1769 he formed a partnership with the Liverpool merchant Thomas Bentley, and opened a bigger factory called “Etruria” (after Etruscan pottery, which inspired some of the factory’s production). During the ensuing decade, until Bentley’s death in 1780, the company expanded and consolidated its position at the forefront of the market.
Jasper tricolour ware is relatively scarce, and even small Uncomplicated examples such as this cachepot are much sought after by collectors Tricolour wares were first made during the 1780x. The decoration was often arranged in a grid-like or trellis design (called a “dice pattern “), with the bars and niches applied with delicate jasper quatrefoils and floral scrolls Here the decorator has Lived sage green and yellow on a white ground; the range of available stains Included a deeper green, dark blue, and lilac A cachepot is similar to a jardiniere and serves the same purpose, it is an ornamental container used to conceal a more utilitarian plant pot the name is derived from the French cacher, to hide).
Other types of stoneware made include “rosso antico”, a red-bodied ware largely based on Classical forms, and the yellow-bodied “caneware”. However, the most famous type of Wedgwood stoneware is the hard, fine-grained, unglazed “jasper” ware introduced in 1774-5, typically with applied white decoration of Classical figures and motifs. John Flaxman (1755-1826), 1755-1826), George Stubbs (1724-1806), and other artists produced designs for ornamental wares, including vases, plaques, cameos, and medallions, based on the illustrations of the excavated Greek and Roman material.
• silky,mostly fine grained, and unglaze
FORMS mostly Neo-classical in style; ornamental vases and urns; portrait plaques; busts; some teawares
• COLOURs jasper: first coloured all the way through the body and later as a surface wash only, in pale blue, sage green, olive green, lilac, lavender, and black; rosso antico: a refinement of the existing Staffordshire redware made by the Hers brothers; caneware: yello
smade by Wedgwood and other Staffordshire
potters from the 1770S
• DFCORATION the stoneware body is capable of taking extremely fine detail; early wares are more detailed than later wares; black basalte is often ornamented with engine-turned ornament, sprigged Neo-classical motifs and mythological figures are typical
Marks
Pre-Etruria wares are rarely marked, but thereafter most wares are impressed with the name; “WEDGWOOD” used after c.1820

Antique English Lead-Glazed Ware

Sunday, May 10th, 2009

Lead-glazed ware
The earliest British lead-glazed potter) was made in the I0th or the 11th century. Recent evacuations Of sites at Winchester and Stamford have revealed crude and sometimes partially glazed cooking pots, pitchers, and bottles. In the 17th century a more idiosyncratic type of British pottery developed, including the bold slipwares 4 Staffordshire and of Wrotham, Kent. A considerable range of different pottery types were covered in lead glaze; red, buff, or white-bodied clays were covered
a clear or coloured lead glaze similar to that of the Chinese sancai tomb pottery made during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). During the 18th and 19th centuries
Staffordshire emerged as one of the most important ceramics regions of the modern age. All the necessary ingredients for high-quality production were found in
a area: first-rate clays, local supplies of coal to fuel sic kilns, and an extensive waterway system for transporting the finished product.
pitchers, pie plates, salts, tygs (a type of large mug), and dishes. Thickly potted, most wares were boldly decorated with figures, animals, birds, or coats of arms. This latter type remained popular well into the 19th Century, especially on oblong oven dishes. Some fine slipwares have the names of such potters as Thomas Tort (d.1689), Ralph Simpson 1651-1724), and William Taylor (b.c. 1630) prominently displayed in the decoration. Because such documentary wares are very expensive, this type has been faked at least since the latter half of the 19th century.
TORTOISESHELL, AGATE, AND
JACKFIELD WARE
Thomas Whieldon ( 1719-95) is usually associated with the production of tortoiseshell ware, although many potteries in north Staffordshire made similar wares from the mid-18th century. They are distinguished by the use Of translucent coloured glazes, Only partially mixed, or mottled, to produce an effect suggested by their title. Combinations of manganese brown, copper green, and cobalt blue were used on domestic wares or figures. Agate ware differs from tortoiseshell in that,
instead of differently coloured glazes being mixed, it
is made by mixing differently coloured clays to produce an effect similar to hardstones – hence the name. First made c.1740, these salt- or lead-glazed wares were later developed by Josiah Wedgwood (1730-95). The term “Jackfield” has been traditionalIy given to a reddish-brown ware covered in a very glossy black glaze. This type of ware was probably first made in Jackfield, Shropshire, from C.1750, and later produced in many potteries in Staffordshire and elsewhere in the second and third quarters of the 18th century. Production was predominantly of hollow-ware decorated with moulding, gilding, or enamelling.
Slipware
• COLOURED) slips dark brown, tan, and white
• Forms dishes, tygs, puzzle jugs, and chargers
• DECORATION trailing, combing, marbling; designs: heraldic devices, figures, animals, birds, coats of arms
Tortoiseshell, agate, and Jackfield wares
• GLAZES tortoiseshell: mottled green, yellow, white, manganese, and blue; Jackfield: black and very shiny
• FORMS mainly teawares
• SPUR MARKS two or three left by supporting pins on the base of plates during firing
• DECORATION applied motifs, crabstock handles
• COLLECTING cow creamers are very popular
Tobyjugs
• COLLECTING extremely popular area of collecting; Prattware types were made after c.1780; the most desirable are those of the so-called “Ralph Wood” type; the most typical and popular figure is the “Tope”

Antique Japanese Imari Porcelain

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Imari Porcelain
Imari is a port on the eastern coast of the island of Kyushu. The name has become associated with a certain type of porcelain, but it has two different Interpretations, one used in Japan and the other in the West. The Japanese terms Shoki and Ko Imari describe blue-and-white wares made in Arita. However, what is generally known in the West as “Imari” is export porcelain decorated in a palette that usually includes underglaze blue, iron-red, and gilding.
There are also other categories beyond the conventional colour scheme; for or example, “green family” Imari is dominated by green, with red or other colours being used in a minor role. Kenjo Imari (presentation ware) is
- sub-group,
another -group, which uses a similar palette but with a more formal arrangement of panelled zones of colour.
Initially developed in the second half of the 17th century, the Imari style matured c.1800.
The finest examples of the style feature a complex symphony of overlapping geometric or leaf-shaped panels often decorated with conflicting themes, as seen in the vase and cover below. Unfortunately the variety of these anti-rational patterns makes it difficult to categorize and present a chronology for this group of wares. Much decoration appears to be based on brocade a rich silk textile run through with gold or silver thread. The majority of Imari wares are decorative, with pieces intended for display en masse. In the late-17th and 18th centuries the most common objects made were high-shouldered, dome-covered jars, trumpet-shaped beaker vases, and saucer dishes. Tea and coffee wares were alsc produced, but these are scarce.
WEAR AND TEAR
Arita porcelain, particularly blue-and-white and Imari, is generally extremely robust and not easily cracked, unlike its more fragile Chinese counterpart. However, although Arita ware is strong, its softish, pale, greyish-blue glaze may be more easily scratched than that of Chinese wares. Some of the Arita export porcelains have crackled glazes, and an intended purchase must be carefully examined to make sure that the body itself is not cracked.
• PALLETTE the basic Imari palette comprises underglaze blue, which can be an intense, almost black, colour or a pale grey, iron red, and gold; other colours include yellow, manganese brown, green, and turquoise
• P0TTING Japanese porcelain is thickly potted and has a tendency to warp during firing, kiln supports were therefore used under the bases of even relatively small wares to prevent them from saggingCOPIES
• made in porcelain at Meissen and in tin-glazed earthenware particularly at Delft during the first third of the 18th centuryBEWARE
• some late-17th- and 18th-century Imari porcelain wares are inscribed with spurious Chinese reign marks

Qing Porcelain before 1800

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Qing before 1800
Following the overthrow of the Ming Dynasty by the Qing Dynasty in 1644, production at Jingdezhen in Jiangxi Province was severely disrupted until 1677, when one of the classic eras of porcelain production began. This lasted until c.1750.
BLUE-AND-WHITE WARES
Blue and white dominated the export market during this period, but these wares were not prominent among the ceramics made at the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. Before 1800 Qing imperial blue-and-white wares tended to imitate early Ming versions, particularly from the Yongle (1403-24) and Xuande (1426-35) reign periods, with decoration that was carefully spaced. The designs on these pieces are generally formal, measured arrangements showing stylized lotus flowers among scrolling foliage. The blue was applied in imitation of the “heaped and piled” effect that connoisseurs so admired in the early Ming wares. Often the reign mark used on those wares was used again in deference to the earlier period.
ENAMELLED WARES
Enamelled porcelains came into their own during the Qing period, replacing blue-and-white wares as the focus of technical and artistic innovation. The technical advances signalled by the development of famille-verte and famille-rose wares greatly enhanced the decorative possibilities of the medium, while the body had now become so refined and delicate as to be the perfect foil for artistic virtuosity. Increasingly, the white porcelain was not so much decorated as painted in the manner of silk-scroll painting.
The famille-verte palette was first introduced during the late 17th century as a development of the wucai palette. In early famille verte the blue is applied under the glaze in the Ming wucai style, but distinguished from it by a generally brighter palette. In the mature famille verte, which dates from the last years of the 17th century, the blue was applied over the glaze and is transparent. Gold was sometimes applied to famille verte wares of the early 18th century. The designs on these wares tended to be detailed representations of nature, including dramatic rocky landscapes and flowers, or precious objects such as classic vases and items for the scholar’s desk.
The famille-rose palette was created c.1720, at the end of the Kangxi reign period. The palette is named after one of the constituent colours – opaque pink enamel, which was achieved using gold. The palette also includes Lin opaque white and yellow that made blending and shading of colours possible in a way that could not be achieved with the transparent colours of the familleverte palette. This gave rise to the exquisitely refined decoration seen on porcelain of the Yongzheng period, with ink-and-wash-style landscapes or
naturalistic depictions of flowers and fruit
rendered in a painterly style against superbly
clear white backgrounds. Among the most
refined Yongzheng and Qianlong wares are
famille-rose wares known as guyuexuan, which were painted in the imperial workshops. Some of these bear poetic lines or calligraphic designs, and they were copied widely in the 20th century.
MONOCHROMES
In this period monochromes were the ceremonial wares used by the emperor and had to be of the very finest quality. In the early 18th century copper-red glazes, which had been so highly prized in the early Ming period, were reintroduced. However, as a result of a longer firing time, these new colours are not as resonant and fresh as their earlier Counterparts, and they can be distinguished from the originals by the extra laver of clear glaze over the copper red. Copper oxide was also used to make the so-called “peachbloom” glaze, which was introduced at this time and applied to a limited range of small wares intended for the scholar’s table, including water droppers and brush rests. This glaze is characterized by the combination of a pinkish red and a cloudy greenish bloom, creating a colour reminiscent of the blush on a ripening peach.
REIGN MARKS
The practice of marking imperial wares with the name of a reign period was introduced during the early 15th century, and continued to the end of the Qing period. Either four or six (or, in very rare cases, eight) characters were inscribed in underglaze blue, and often enclosed within a double circle. In the Yongzheng period, seal-script reign marks became common, and during the succeeding Qianlong period they were the norm. Conventional script became popular again at the end of the 19th century. Reign marks should not be taken at face value when dating a piece, since it was common practice to inscribe wares with the mark of art earlier reign period, particularly those of the much-esteemed Nling period and especially of Emperor Chenghua (1465-87). This was not so much a question of fraud as of admiration for and imitation of antiquity.
The experimentation with monochrome glazes resulted in many innovative effects, such as the speckled turquoise and dark-bloc “robin’s-egg” glaze, which is thought to have been inspired by the Jun wares of the Song period. The “teadust” glaze is created when iron oxide is underfired, resulting in a mottled green on a yellowish-brown background. The “iron-rust” glaze is
a streaked reddish-brown with a metallic sheen, achieved by cooling the ware very rapidly after firing. The pale-little Clair-de-lone glaze was created by incorporating a very small amount of cobalt blue and was applied only to the most delicate wares.
“ARCHAIC” WARES
The Qing emperors, especially Qianlong, were avid collectors of antiquities, and many Qing imperial ceramics closely imitate ancient models. This is particularly evident in the traditional forms that were favoured, which include pastiches of early bronzes and jades and also of classic ceramics of the Song and Ming Dynasties; some wares were made using a combination of the two forms. The Qing potters also tried to re-create the glazes applied to the archaistic pieces of the Song period; these included thick, crackled glazes used on Guan wares. The Qing copies are generally smoother and shinier than the originals.
Qing reign periods Shunzhi ( 1644-6 1 ) Kangxi(1662-1722) Yongzheng (1723-35) Qianlong ( 1736-95) Jiaqing (1796-1820)
Daoguang ( 182 1 —50) Xianfeng (1851-61)
Tongzbi ( 1862-74)
Guangxu (1875-1908) Xuantong (1909-11 )
• BODY very fine white porcelain
• POTTING extremely neat with smooth, rounded foot-rims, the bases of bowls and dishes arc flat, unlike the slightly convex form of the bases of Ming wares; there are no visible joins on vases and pots
• GLAZES a wide range of innovative glazes appears on monochromes; imitations of crackled Song-period Guan glazes are found on “archaic” pieces
• ENAMELS many colours enhanced with opaque white and yellow in the famille-rose palette, permitting shading and more decorative potential
• FORMS small, fine pieces for delicate porcelains as well as imitations of archaic bronze and jade forms
• Di CORATION blossoming and fruiting branches
rendered in a painterly manner; emblems of good luck, such as the characters sbou (long life) and fu (bat), are often integrated into the designs
Reign marks
Reign marks for Shunzhi and Kangxi are always written in conventional script; for the period of Yongzheng they may be written in the same manner or in seal script; Qianlong, Jiaqing and Daoguang are usually done in seal characters; from the Xianfeug reign onward, marks may be written in either style

Antique Chinese Export Porcelain

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Later export porcelain
The loss of imperial patronage at Jingdezhen in Jiangxi Province in 1608 prior to the death of Emperor Wanli (d.1619) encouraged the Chinese potters to seek new markets for their wares. They made dishes to European specifications, introducing new shapes and decorative motifs. They also had an unrivalled artistic freedom, which unleashed a great creativity, while the technical quality of the body and glaze improved noticeably.
TRANSITIONAL WARES
Blue-and-white porcelains of the Transitional period (1620-83) are characterized by the purplish tone of the blue, and by the easy naturalism of the brushwork. Narrative scenes were common, while landscape painting was given unprecedented importance. Colophons were very rarely added, but when they are found they often give details of where the object was produced, which clearly aids the dating of such items. Enamelled Transitional wares are the forerunners of the group of wares known as fanzine verte, and the colours are noticeably bright and clean. The Transitional period also marks the appearance of the first truly European shapes, including table salts, mustard-pots, square flasks, and candlesticks.
EXPORT PORCELAINS FROM JINGDEZHEN
The porcelains produced at Jingdezhen after Emperor Kangxi reorganized the kilns in 1683 are markedly more refined than earlier wares. The potting is economical and neatly trimmed, while the glaze is very thin and glassy. The foot-rims often have a faint amber blush due to oxidization. The blue varies from a silvery hue to an almost purple tone. After c.1730 export wares began to decline considerably; this is evident in the poorly trim med foot-rims and in the presence of sugary kiln grit, as well as in deeper oxidization, and an irregular and bluish glaze.
The range of decorative themes is varied and includes flowers and plants growing among rocks, sometimes enclosed within a fence, especially from the Yongzheng period (1723-35). The landscape designs used during the Kangxi period (1662-1722) have a sense of craggy remoteness, which later gives way to a more comfortable, idealized structure, with pavilioned isles, drifting sampans, and bending trees.
In the early 18th century northern-European clients
began to order dinner services decorated with their own
coats of arms, although the Spanish and Portuguese had ordered individual pieces with arms more than a century earlier. These armorial services were executed in underglaze blue or in the famine-verte palette (green, iron-red, blue, yellow, and a manganese purple). However, the later famillerose armorial services, often embellished with gold, are more numerous; hundreds of thousands of pieces were dispatched each year as wealthy British families ordered vast dinner services.
Europeans commissioned a variety of designs to be copied, sending paper patterns and wooden models to the Chinese. Early during the reign of Qianlong (1736-95), plain, blank porcelains from Jingdezhen were probably sent to be decorated in Guangzhou (later Canton) in Guangdong Province; blue-and-white ware was already fully decorated, as the decoration was underglaze. Their close proximity to the decorators’ workshops enabled East India Company employees to complete their private trade orders quickly and effectively. By comparison with general-trade porcelains, these private orders form a much more interesting and collectable group. In addition to the armorial wares, which are by and large formulaic, there are pieces with designs meticulously copied from European engravings.
By the second quarter of the 19th century tailor-made wares were the exception, and production concentrated on heavily enamelled decorative wares and dinner services. Pink, green, and gold with touches of yellow and turquoise were the usual palette of these later porcelains, decorated in Canton and known as “Canton” wares. The material and glaze are generally of secondary quality, with deposits of sugary kiln grit.
SHIPWRECK CARGOES
Among the many ships carrying tea, porcelain, spices, and silk from China to India and Europe, a number inevitably sank before they completed their journeys. In recent years some of these shipwrecks have been salvaged and their precious cargoes auctioned. They include the Dutch ship Geldermalsen, carrying the so-called Nanking cargo, which sank in 1752 with 25,000 pieces of porcelain intended for sale in Amsterdam and was found in 1986. The Diana, which sank in 1817 in the Strait of Malacca en route to Madras, was salvaged in 1994; just under 24,000 pieces of intact blue-and-white porcelain were recovered from the ship, indicating the popularity of this type of export ware.
SWATOW WARES
Named after the port of Shantou (Swatow), Swatow wares are roughly decorated porcelains made around Chaozhou in Guangdong Province from the mid-16th century for export principally to India, South-East Asia, and Japan. Although wares include blue-and-white and slip-painted pieces, it is the polychromes that are best known. The decoration is executed with great flourish in overglaze red, green, and turquoise, with a sparing use Of black. Forms include plates and dishes, and kendi ritual vessels), while characteristic motifs include the ..split pagoda”. Often red character seals are alternated with cartouches around the edges of these wares.
DEHUA PORCELAIN
White porcelain from Dehua in Fujian Province was produced from the Song period. Ming wares from Dehua have a warm ivory tone, while the Qing wares are usually more bluish, or dead white. The most typical forms of Dehua porcelain (known in Europe as blanc-de-Chine) are hollow figures of Buddhist deities – most notably of Guanyin, goddess of mercy – although in the Ming period figures of the Madonna and Child were also produced for the Portuguese. Small cups decorated with reliefs of blossoming prunus were also exported. Dehua wares are usually signed with a small seal impressed into the back of the sculpture.
YIXING WARES
Yixing wares are red stonewares, made in Jiangsu Province, which were exported to Europe from the mid-17th century until the end of the 18th century. The most commonly exported wares were small teapots and cups, either left plain or decorated with ,garden scenes in relief, or with sprigged decoration such as prunus branches. In the 1670s potters in Delft began to produce a low-fired redware in imitation of Yixing, and from the late 17th century potters in Staffordshire produced a similar ware. A number of small Yixing figures were exported to Europe.
Transitional wares
• BODY greyish-white porcelain
• BLUE rich and purplish, applied in washes
• DECORATION taken from printed sources: narrative scenes and flower studies applied as outlines filled in with a wash, a technique known as “line and wash”
• THEMES narrative scenes taken from literary classics
Kangxi blue-and-white porcelain
• POTTING generally very economical and neatly trimmed around the base
• GLAZE very thin and glassy
• FOOT-RIMS faint amber blush due to oxidization
• BLUE varies from a silvery to an almost purple tone
• THEMES flowers and plants growing among rocks; landscapes
Jingdezhen enamelled export porcelain
• SHAPES many European shapes drawn from silverware or European pottery and porcelain prototypes
• DECORATION translucent overglaze enamels with dominant green in densely meshed patterns; gilding
Dehua wares
• BODY white porcelain
• GLAZE warm ivory (Ming); bluish white (Qing)
• SHAPES tall, hollow sculptures of Buddhist deities, figures of the Madonna and Child, and small cups
• DECORATION reliefs of plum blossoms on cups
• MARKS seal signature on the back of sculptures
Yixing wares
• BODY red stoneware
• GLAZE some figures are covered with a pale-grey glaze
• SHAPES small teapots and cups
• DECORATION relief or sprigged decorations
• COPIES made in Europe in the late 17th century by the Elers brothers in Staffordshire and Arij Milde in Delft

Antique Middle and Later Ming Porcelain

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Ceramic production during the reign of Hongzhi maintained the fine quality associated with wares produced in the Chenghua period. However, during the reign of Zhengde there was a notable decline in draughtsmanship and potting, which lasted until the end of the Ming Dynasty.
POLYCHROME WARES
From the Chenghua period the use of lead-fluxed, overglaze enamels became increasingly common. Underglaze blue was combined with these colours, which were fired a second time at a much lower temperature. On the finest wares known as doucai ..contrasted colours”) pieces, the outline of the design was traced in underglaze blue, and then yellow, green, aubergine-purple, and red enamels were painted on hcfore a second firing to create a jewel-like effect. Douche pieces arc generally small, fine, and extremely well made; decoration includes figures, plants, and animals, often in briefly painted landscapes. Wares include “chicken cups” – small wine-cups with designs of hens and cockerels with peonies.
The wucai (”five colours”) style, using the same palette as doucai, was introduced in the Jiajing reign period. While underglaze-blue outlines were still used, they were often replaced with overglaze black or red. The decoration developed along different lines, with fish, water-weed, ducks, and figure scenes becoming increasingly popular. Dragons appear in all manner of wises, with wings, and with flowers or jewels in their Months, arranged around bowls and jars or as circular medallions. Wucai decoration was used on large as well as small pieces and is generally not as neat or refined Lis doucai. The colour yellow, which had imperial connotations, was used together with bold designs of fruits and flowers in underglaze blue from the Xuande to the Jiajing reign period. For example, in the Zhengde period a common design consisted of green dragons on a white background, achieved by marking the design in wax resist then glazing the ground with white, firing, painting the reserved design in green enamel, and finally refiring at a lower temperature.
BLUE-AND-WHITE WARES
Blue-and-white wares made during the Chenghua period are regarded as some of the finest porcelains ever produced. Technically they arc superb, with light, thin bodies and a glassy glaze. The blue on early Chenghua pieces is dark – an almost blue-black associated with the use of imported cobalt; the later wares have a much lighter, clearer blue derived from local ore from the Raozhou Prefecture around Jingdezhen. It is applied very evenly, in designs of dragons and phoenixes, landscape scenes, or the very fine flower scrolls that adorn the so-called “Palace” ware. This was made in the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen, the most typical item being a bowl with everted rim, known as a “Palace” bowl.
The reign period of Hongzhi is largely a continuation of the Chenghua style, but it may be viewed as a watershed in the Ming dynasty since after it standards clearly began to decline. Even the best of the later Ming wares never reached the heights of the 15th-century work. As the 16th century advanced, the deterioration manifested itself in the increasing number of flaws in the poorly refined clay, and in the more casual brushwork, although the latter often has great appeal. During the reign of Jiajing the quality of blue improved. A rich, saturated purplish cobalt, termed “Muhammadan” blue, was introduced and was used on many porcelains in this and the later Ming reigns of Longqing and Wanli. Imperial quality wares are dressed in a thickish and smooth glassy glaze with a strong bluish cast. Almost all later Ming porcelains oxidized during firing, and while this thin reddish veneer may be worn by the passage of time, it is usually still visible at the margin of the glaze oil the base or foot rim.
EXPORT WARES
During the reign of Wanli the export of Chinese porcelain expanded, with large numbers of blue-and wares made purely for export. Among these pieces, kraak ware, which was produced from the Wanli period, is particularly important. It takes its name from the Dutch rendering of the Portuguese for “carrack”, Or merchant ship, two of which, carrying Chinese porcelain, were captured by the Dutch in 1602 and 1604. Kraak ware of this period has a fairly thin, light body, which is prone to chipping at the edges. The blue,
often evenly applied in washes, is inclined to be rather watery and thin.
The use of panels on bowls and dishes increased in the late 16th century; all wares of
this type are called kraak ware. On kraak howls and dishes the decoration radiates from a central circular panel. After c.1570 the most common
themes found on kraak porcelain are floral, including a highly stylized and barely recognizable form of the peony, lotuses, chrysanthemums, and other flowers issuing from rocks. Other motifs were also popular, such as precious objects or symbols tied with ribbons, and crickets, beetles, and butterflies.
DECORATIVE THEMES
Dragons and phoenixes remained the most important decorative motifs throughout the Ming period, but other designs also became increasingly popular. In the Chenghua period a very fine arrangement of lilies and Other flowers in underglaze blue seas used to decorate the exteriors of the dishes known as “Palace” bowls. Emperor Chenghua was a devout Buddhist, and this is reflected in the use of Buddhist symbols on some pieces from this period. During the reign of Zhengde, who was tolerant of the Islamic religion in China, a unique style of decoration using Arabic or Persian script was applied to a wide range of blue-and-white wares that were predominantly intended for the scholar’s desk. These included pen rests, small lamps, incense burners, and, in a few very rare instances, bowls. The script is enclosed within medallions against a background of scrolls and sometimes stylized lotus designs. These wares always carry the six-character mark of Zhengde, whereas almost all other dishes of this period have a four-character mark.
The decoration of 16th-century Ming wares is less refined, more chaotic in its arrangement, and much more freely drawn than that of the 15th century. The designs show the influence Of illustrations from popular literature, which was becoming widely available at this time. On wares of the Jiajing period, children, scholars, animals, and flowers are depicted in gardens, on terraces, or in open landscapes. Daoist subjects, for example the sage Laozi and the Eight Immortals (legendary or historical individuals who arc associated with the philosophy of Dao), were increasingly incorporated into the decoration on these wares, as were the associated symbols of long life, such as the lingzhi fungus, deer, cranes, peaches, pine trees, the Chinese character short (often elaborated into the form of a peach tree), and herons.
Doucai wares
• BODY fine white porcelain
• COLOURS underglaze-blue outlines with overglaze enamels in red, green, yellow, and aubergine
• SHAPES small, neat pieces: wine-cups, stem cups, howls, and jars
• DECORATION chickens and peonies; dragons, plants, and floral motifs; neat and jewel-like
Wucai wares• BODY white porcelain of variable quality
• COLOURS overglaze enamels in yellow, red, green, turquoise, and aubergine, with some outlines in red or [)lack and others in underglaze blue
• FORMS small and large pieces, such as huge cisterns
• DECORATION dragons, fish, landscapes, and figures; not as neatly drawn as doucai wares
Export wares
• BODY relatively thin and light porcelain of reasonable quality; the glaze has a tendency to break away from the edges in an irregular way – this is often referred to as “moth-eaten” or “tender” edges
• GLAZE highhigh
gloss, reasonably thick over the body, tending to be thin on the base
• SHAPES kendi (Hindu ritual vessels) and “Persian” flasks, jars, and dishesBLUE
• watery and thin, often applied in washes, sometimes rather silvery grey
• DECORATION division into panels radiating from a Central circular field, with animals, birds, plants, landscapes, or baskets of flowers, and often ribbons and medallions between the panels
• FOOT-RIM there is often grit in the glaze

Song Dynasty Porcelain

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty (960-1279) is regarded as the classic period of Chinese ceramics, when simple, elegant wares decorated with attractive monochrome glazes were produced. The five “classic wares” – Ding, Jun, Ru, Guano, and Ge – were produced for imperial use, while other wares, notably Cizhou and some of the northern celadons, were made for a much wider market.
CELADONS
The most characteristic Song ceramics are the celadons, with their iron-derived, semi-translucent, usually greenish glaze. When the Song court was situated in northern China (960-1126), such centres of production as Yaozhou in Shaanxi Province became important for celadons; the most distinctive northern celadons are those with incised or moulded decoration of floral scrolls covered with an olive-green glaze. The later Longquan or southern celadon usually has a pale-grey body that shows the thick, opaque, bluish-green, slightly bubbly glaze to advantage. The best Longquan wares include archaic forms and items for the scholar’s desk, bowls, and vases. Jun wares made in Yu xian and Linru in Henan Province are thickly potted stonewares with a lavender-blue glaze often splashed with purple derived from copper oxide and, very rarely, green. Typical forms include chunky globular jars. Ru wares, the rarest and most coveted of all Song ceramics, are simple, elegant stonewares with a crackled blue-green glaze. Guan wares have light buff or dark stoneware bodies with a very thick, pale-greyish glaze that is usually strongly crackled and may be black, brown, or clear. The bodies show dark brown or black on the unglazed rims and feet.
OTHER WARES
Ding wares, made in Ding xian in Hebei Province, are fine porcellaneous stonewares with a warm ivory glaze, made in delicate shapes, including ewers and vases as well as small plates and bowls. Most flatware was fired upside down – the rims were left unglazed, and were bound with gold-coloured metal (now
patinated). Moulded decoration was introduced in the 11th cenrury; in this a reusable stoneware mould was impressed onto the hard clay, creating closely meshed designs; the earlier, more fluid, hand-carved ornament was also used. Qingbai (bluish white) wares from
Jingdezhen in Jiangxi Province have a fine white porcelain body and a glassy blue glaze that tends to pool. These items are very delicate and elegant, and include thinly potted conical bowls and beautifully proportioned vases.
Fine black-glazed stonewares were produced during the Song period in Henan Province and at Jian in Jiangxi Province. Blackwares were sometimes decorated with red-brown floral designs. Cizhou wares, named after the kilns in Cizhou in Hebei Province, are sturdy stonewares with robust designs in black-and-white slip; often part of the black slip was scraped away to create a textured pattern (sgraffito), while on other wares the designs were sometimes painted on. Common shapes include “pillows” and meiping (an inverted-pear-shaped vase).
Marks
Song wares are generally unmarked, although a few stoneware moulds have survived with 12th- or 13th-century dates incised on the surface

• BODY most Song wares are stonewares, although Ding and Qinghai wares are porcellaneousSTYLE
• subtle and scholarly, in contrast to the flamboyance of the preceding Tang period and the subsequent Yuan period; from the 12th century there is a strong archaizing tendency, with a fashion for classic jade and bronze shapes
• DECORATION many Song wares are without ornament, relying for effect on the harmony between glaze and form; early Ding and northern celadons are decorated with restrained carved designs – some later wares have busier moulded floral and foliate decoration; Cizhou wares show the greatest variety of decorative techniques