Chinese Rose Mandarin Porcelain Saucer Dish

Details

Description

Figural Fantasy: A Rose Mandarin Porcelain Glimpse into the Chinese Interior

Object: Chinese Export Mandarin Porcelain Saucer Dish
Origin: China … Read more Figural Fantasy: A Rose Mandarin Porcelain Glimpse into the Chinese Interior

Object: Chinese Export Mandarin Porcelain Saucer Dish
Origin: China (Canton for Export)
Date: Circa 1810 (Late Qianlong/Early Jiaqing Period)
Medium: Hard-Paste Porcelain, Famille Rose Overglaze Enamels, and Gilding

Dimensions: Diameter 8 1/4 inches x 1 3/4 inches high (Diameter: 20.96 cm).

This exquisite Chinese Export porcelain saucer dish is a superb example of the Rose Mandarin palette, a subset of the broader Famille Rose style. The design covers the entire surface with an all-over design, centering on a detailed narrative scene: a group of Chinese female figures engaged in conversation before a richly decorated building. The atmosphere is serene and domestic, offering an idealized glimpse into Chinese courtly or wealthy life.

The composition is lush and densely packed, typical of the Rose Mandarin style. The central scene is framed by a rich border featuring the characteristic elements of the design: exotic birds, butterflies, and large, brightly colored peonies and other flowers. The meticulous enameling and the extensive use of gilding signify this as a high-quality commission intended for the affluent European or American market.

Historical Context: The Rose Mandarin Style

The Rose Mandarin style flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, largely replacing the earlier, sparser Rose Canton style. It is defined by its focus on figural scenes set against opulent domestic interiors or lush gardens, contrasting with the floral and bird panels favored by Rose Canton. These wares were almost exclusively manufactured in Jingdezhen but decorated and fired in the port city of Canton (Guangzhou), often by teams of specialized artists, before being shipped to the West.

Though the scenes depicted life in China, they were highly romanticized and produced specifically to satisfy the Western appetite for exotic luxury goods and Chinoiserie. The sheer volume and quality of this porcelain highlight the peak of the China Trade before European factories fully mastered competitive porcelain production.

Potential References

Palmer, Arlene M. A Winterthur Guide to Chinese Export Porcelain.

Howard, David S. Chinese Armorial Porcelain (Though non-armorial, it details the history of these services).

Museum Collections: Rose Mandarin wares are commonly found in museum collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Colonial Williamsburg.

(Ref: NY8318/CKM) See less