Large Chinese Export Famille Rose Medallion Porcelain Charger, Mid-19th Century

Details

Description

A richly enameled Chinese Export porcelain charger in the classic Famille Rose Medallion palette, dating to the mid-19th century, Qing … Read more A richly enameled Chinese Export porcelain charger in the classic Famille Rose Medallion palette, dating to the mid-19th century, Qing Dynasty, circa 1850. This large dish exemplifies the intricate polychrome overglaze decoration associated with Canton enameling, featuring densely layered floral, bird, and butterfly motifs rendered in vivid pinks, greens, blues, and yellows. The composition is arranged concentrically around a central medallion depicting a basket of flowers, framed by finely detailed reserves brimming with roses, peonies, fruiting branches, and auspicious butterflies.

The border is particularly notable for its elaborate repoussé-style cartouches of alternating gilt and enamel decoration, incorporating Chinese symbols of longevity, prosperity, and good fortune including bats, cash emblems, and lingzhi scrolls. The high-fired porcelain body exhibits a slightly bluish-white glaze typical of export ware destined for Western markets. The unmarked base shows a wide, unglazed footrim with kiln grit, confirming the object's period authenticity.

Famille Rose Medallion wares such as this were produced in the kilns of Guangzhou (Canton) for export to Europe and the Americas, where they were prized for their luxurious palette and finely painted surfaces. Chargers of this scale and complexity were often used as table or decorative display pieces in wealthy 19th-century households and remain highly collectible today for their technical virtuosity and vibrant iconography.


Measures:

13" W. See less