Set of 4 Antique Chinese Export Porcelain Famille Jaune Duck Models

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Description

A set of four Chinese Export famille jaune porcelain duck-form brush rests, dating to the late 19th to early 20th … Read more A set of four Chinese Export famille jaune porcelain duck-form brush rests, dating to the late 19th to early 20th century, modeled in the form of recumbent ducks rendered with softly molded and stylized features. Each bird is formed in a compact, resting posture with a raised head and slightly arched neck, their broad backs and wings crisply delineated with incised cross-hatching to simulate feathers, overlaid with polychrome enamels in rich tones of aubergine, turquoise, and cobalt blue over a luminous yellow ground. The beaks and feet are glazed in tones of iron red, and the undersides are left unglazed, exhibiting the iron-spotted buff-colored body typical of late Qing to Republic-period kiln production. The bases bear no reign marks but are consistent with export wares destined for Western decorative use and scholar’s table accessories.

While utilitarian in form—likely intended for use as brush rests or chopstick holders—the vibrant palette, fine modeling, and satirical anthropomorphism recall the traditions of famille rose figural novelties produced for the export market during the Qing dynasty. The application of the distinctive famille jaune yellow glaze, which became popular during the Kangxi period and was later revived during the Guangxu and Republic eras, reflects an enduring preference for the auspicious associations of yellow as a color of imperial favor and prosperity.


Measures:
5" w x 2.75" d x 3.5" h. See less