Mid-19th Century Ceramics

An Satsuma ceramic stone ware vase, circa 19th century, around the end of the Edo and the beginning of Meiji period. In the form of a Classic garlic bottle whose prototype was from China, the white bodied piece is decorated with an early form of kin nishikide, the so called golden brocade, a palette of iron-red, blue, green, yellow, purple and black with golden highlight. The over glazed enamel paint shows a group of robed figures in a garden setting with a lion and three tigers. A transparent overall glaze shows very fine crackles. The design is relatively sparse with plenty of negative space in contrast to the Satsuma production from the late 19th century, when the trend became fussy and overly glitz, due to the influence by the perceived western taste for the export market. This piece may still be made for export but its pattern was more influenced by both Kyoto Pottery and the Kano school of painting compared to the export ware by the end of the 19th century onward to the early 20th century. It was believed by many that this was a result of Satsuma potters visiting Kyoto in the late seventeenth century to learn over glaze painting techniques. There are some age glaze crackles especially around the foot. The piece is not signed in keeping with the earlier production before Satsuma ceramics...

This is a good shallow cloisonne bowl made in China in the mid-19th century. The bowl is circular with a short foot, beautifully made of bronze with rich, bold colorful enamels, i...

This gorgeous pair of 19th century Japanese Imari vases are beautifully hand-painted in the classic Imari colors of blue, terra cotta, gold and white. The pair features a Foo dog han...

This antique Chinese Blue & White Prunus Blossoms Covered Ginger Jar from the Qing dynasty, dating from the mid-19th century, is a stunning piece despite missing its lid. The jar fea...

A large and very fine condition pair of antique Japanese Imari Ginger jars from the second half of the 19th century. Each is 12 inches in diameter and...

A huge Celadon enameled meat plater, the Celadon body decorated with colorful enameled painted birds, butterflies, flowers, bugs, sacred bird Vibrant ...

A gorgeous pair of Chinese 19th century Famille rose, Tobacco Leaf Style, Baluster Form covered vases, from the Collection of Henry Ford. Each vase is beautifully hand-enameled with ...

This large and beautiful Chinese mug is hand-painted with beautiful flowers. This mug dates to the second half of the nineteenth century circa 1860. It was crafted in a southern Chin...

This is an excellent example of a Japanese porcelain Charger or very large plate with a finely hand painted design, dating to the Edo period circa 1840 or possibly earlier. This cha...

A Thai Sawankhalok exterior water jar from the mid-19th century, with distressed white patina. Created in the kilns of central Thailand during the 1850s, this Sawankhalok exterior water jar attracts attention with its elegant proportions and beautifully distressed white patina. The aged surface is accented with subtle brown motifs, including waves and graceful strokes, which enhance its historical character and visual appeal. This mid-19th century Thai water jar...

Pair of Mid-19th century/Qing dinasty enameled chinese porcelain figurines depicting a laughing boy kneeling and another lying down By: unknown Material...

Chinese Export rose medallion serving bowl features unusual scalloped edges in four parts with beautiful birds, butterflies, fruit and floral decoration. Lovely detail. See measureme...

Antique blue and white porcelain tea caddy - hand painted in cobalt blue with birds and butterflies among flowering branches - non glazed lip and b...

19th Century Chinese Rose Famille decorated Chrysanthemum motif charger China, Circa 1850s A large and unique work with non typical continuous decoration. Of circular form with a wide decorated blue and white and gilt Chrysanthemum border, the center decorated with numerous scattered blue and gilt Prunus flowers, the center with vignette of pink Chrysanthemums...

Exceptional Japanese early Meiji period (circa 1870) signed Imari ribbed porcelain Bowl, extremely intricately hand-painted on both sides in cobalt blue ...

A Chinese Landscape Dream Stone. Inscribed with a poem in the 19th century. The stone reminiscent of the Yuan landscapes in the style of Ni Zan. These rock were treasured by Chinese ...

ISHIZARA PLATE – Old Japanese mingei Seto stoneware large plate called ‘Ishizara’ (lit. ‘Stone plate’), Edo-Meiji period, 19th century, approx. D 38 x H 6.8cm (14.96 x 2.67in), once ...

An unusual Japanese Imari porcelain decagonal (ten sided) dish with underglaze blue and overglaze enamels, Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan. The ten sided dish features a charming Chinese...

Circa 1860 Chinese blue & white domed form brush washer. Porcelain. From the Qing Dynasty artist or scholar's table. Landscape decoration. 2" dia., 1 5/8" h. We are a family busines...

A ceramic plate or bowl from the kilns of Sangkhalok, the old center of Thai ceramics during the Sukhotai period. Perfectly preserved. Signed at the bottom.  

Set consisting of three bowls, a pot and a lid, fitted into each other, in white blue Japanese porcelain decorated with foliage and birds. Very good condition, some traces of use.

An impressive high quality pair of Cantonese Famille Rose medallion vases. Each having wonderful bold colours, the inset hand painted panels depicting interior scenes of courtiers an...

A Chinese Landscape Dream Stone. Inscribed with a poem in the 19th century. The stone reminiscent of the Yuan landscapes in the style of Ni Zan. These rock were treasured by Chinese ...

A Magnificent pair of 19th century Louis XVI Style ormolu mounted chinese famille verte porcelain vases turned to lamps, the ormolu attributed to Henry Dasson. The ormolu mounted Chi...

A large and charming Japanese imari charger with Chinese boys, Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan. The large porcelain charger measuring 16" in diameter features high, slo...

This is a beautifully detailed small Imari vase that is decorated in traditional Japanese elements such as plum blossoms, flower baskets, ho-ho or pho...

Beautiful plate inspired by the Company of India of the Qianlong period, 18th century, but dating from the 19th century. This porcelain soup plate, with a flower represented in the c...

Nice « Blanc Bleu » porcelain plate inspired the Compagnie des Indes from XIXth century. This porcelain soup plate represents exotic plant elements. Ornaments are visible on the sides of the plate. The arrival of porcelain in Europe was linked to the development of shipping and international trade. Porcelain was very popular in Europe because of its lightness and its durability. The import from China is linked to the lack of mastery of this technique by the Europeans. The French, Dutch and British East...

Beautiful and large black glazed Chinese ceramic altar candlestick with brown highlights. Beautiful decorative object. Period: 19th century.

ISHIZARA PLATE – Old Japanese mingei Seto stoneware plate called ‘Ishizara’ (lit. ‘Stone plate’), Edo-Meiji period, 19th century, approx. D 33.5 x H 6cm (13.18 x 2.36in), once used a...

The form of this 19th century porcelain vase is called "phoenix tail" because of the way its flared mouth and slender waist mimic the shape of the bird. The vibrant landscape leaps o...

Dish China c.1850 or later Height 22 mm, diameter of rim 141 mm. Dish on footring, straight rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with a large displayed eagle clasping in his right talons two arrows and in his left two leafy vines, above his head a indecipherable motto inscribed upside down. The reverse, washed in a pale celadon, is undecorated. Marked on the base with a square shop mark in underglaze blue. This Chinese export porcelain saucer...

A Chinese Landscape Dream Stone. Inscribed with a poem in the 19th century. The stone reminiscent of the Yuan landscapes in the style of Ni Zan. These rock were treasured by Chinese ...

A very large and impressive, good quality Chinese canton or rose medallion vase, depicting classical Chinese scene, set on a beautifully carved Chinese hardwood, marble topped stand.

A Chinese Landscape Dream Stone. Inscribed with a poem in the 19th century. The stone reminiscent of the Yuan landscapes in the style of Ni Zan. These rock were treasured by Chinese ...

A fine pair of Chinese porcelain bottle-shaped vases, painted in the Islamic style, Daoguang period (1821-1850). Each vase finely handpainted in Henn...

The form of this 19th century porcelain vase is called "phoenix tail" for the way its flared mouth and slender waist mimic the shape of the auspicious bird. The vibrant painted scene...

A stunning antique Chinese porcelain 19th century jar, as a lamp. The porcelain jar is in a Mirror black glaze, which is a very dark The Lamp measures 27 inches to the top of the sha...

Chinese famille rose pair of candlesticks or josh sticks shaped as caparisoned elephants. The pair is finely decorated and gilded.

Circa 1860 lozenge shaped Imari Charger. Quadruple quadrants with alternating birds in landscape & naturalistic motifs, surrounding a central medallion of a tea table in garden. Reve...

with Lion Head Handles. Ceramic, 19th century Original Japanese Collector's box.

Circa 1860 lozenge shaped Imari Charger, central medallion with birds surrounded by alternating panels with an ancient tortoise & groups of cranes. The reverse well painted. Base rim...

This is an exquisite, and very collectible, pair of oval Japanese Imari platters with scalloped edge and hand-painted in classic Imari colors of...

This 19th-century kitchen vessel is coated inside and out with a dark brown glaze that clings to its ribbed sides with subtle color variation. Designed for serving water or tea, the squat jar features a narrow neck, small strap handles, and a short spout for pouring. The rounded shoulders are brushed with simple linework in a contrasting light brown glaze. Textured with pitted wear and other imperfections, the rustic vessel is wonderful as an unusual vase...

A near pair Hizen pottery jars from Artia Japan, circa mid-19th century of the Meiji Era. Heavy stoneware construction with overglaze enamels that was inspired by Chinese WuCai from ...

Old Decorative Chinese Hand Painted Blue & White Porcelain Vase. Circa 1850.

This exquisite polychrome Chinese vase has been mounted with bronze mounts and has previously been in two private collections. The vase dates to the reign of Chinese Emperor Tongzhi ...

A very fine antique French chinoiserie, doré bronze, and Imari porcelain three-piece clock graniture. The porcelain is marvelously hand-painted with intricately designed flowers, pea...

Edo period Bizen vase, late Edo period (mid-19th century) ceramic vase from Bizen, one of the six ancient kilns in Japan. Unusual undulating rim, with tradi...

A set of nine 6-inch by 6-inch neo-medieval encaustic tiles by Minton & Co (stamped); an exact match to an identical set in the British Museum attributed to architect and designer, A...

O/3201 - What a beautiful simple ancient ceramic! It's a Chinese brazier, sober and elegant. I think that may be more ancient, but I don't know. It was...

A Highly Rare Pair of Monumental Qing Dynasty Rouleau Porcelain "Dragon" Vases A Masterful Display of 19th Century Chinese Artistry: The mid-19th century Qing Dynasty marked a period of artistic innovation and imperial grandeur, as exemplified by this rare and monumental pair of Rouleau vases. These exceptional porcelain works, notable for their commanding size and vibrant palette, are a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship that flourished during this era. Embellished with a dynamic tableau of dragons rendered in bold hues of red, green, blue, brown, and yellow, these vases embody both artistic brilliance and the deep cultural symbolism woven into Chinese decorative arts. Artistic Excellence and Symbolism: At the heart of these magnificent vases lies a visual narrative that channels the power and mystique of the dragon, a central motif in Chinese culture symbolizing imperial authority, strength, and cosmic energy. The intricate depiction of dragons in motion, intertwined amidst stylized ocean waves, conveys a sense of fluidity and dynamic movement. Each color used—the crimson reds, verdant greens, striking blues, earthy browns, and golden yellows—has been meticulously applied, reflecting a mastery of the high-fired, polychrome enameling techniques perfected during the Qing Dynasty. The Rouleau form, with its cylindrical body, short neck, and slightly flared mouth, was a favored shape for large-scale vases in the 18th and 19th centuries. The form’s structured elegance allowed for expansive decorative panels, serving as an ideal canvas for intricate, multi-layered designs. This pair demonstrates how artisans skillfully balanced the flowing movement of the dragons with the rhythmic motifs of waves, resulting in a harmonious composition that engages the viewer from every angle. Craftsmanship and Technique: These vases represent the pinnacle of porcelain artistry achieved under the Qing Dynasty, showcasing techniques that reflect centuries of refined craftsmanship. The precision in the application of overglaze enamels and the expert manipulation of kiln temperatures to achieve vibrant and consistent coloration are indicative of the expertise within the imperial kilns. The dragons' scales, rendered with remarkable detail, create a textured effect that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, undulating waves, enhancing the three-dimensional quality of the design. The depth of color and the crisp delineation of each element point to a rigorous and time-intensive process. These qualities signify the involvement of highly skilled artisans who adhered to the imperial standards set by the royal court, ensuring that each piece was a fitting representation of the empire’s wealth and cultural prowess. Historical and Cultural Significance: Vases of this caliber were not merely decorative; they were imbued with profound symbolic meaning and often commissioned for imperial use or gifted as prestigious diplomatic offerings. The dragon motif, deeply embedded in Chinese folklore and philosophy, was associated with the emperor himself—known as the "Son of Heaven"—and symbolized his divine right to rule. These vases also reflect the Qing Dynasty's flourishing export trade and the global fascination with Chinese porcelain during the 19th century. European collectors and royal patrons prized such pieces for their artistry and the exoticism they represented, contributing to a legacy that elevated Chinese porcelain to a revered status in the annals of decorative art history. Provenance and Collectability: The extraordinary scale, exceptional craftsmanship, and rarity of this pair establish them as museum-quality works. Such vases would have held a place of honor in a palace or wealthy estate, reflecting not only the owner’s status but also an appreciation for the profound cultural and artistic traditions of China. Their provenance—potentially tied to an imperial commission or significant historical collection—underscores their importance as objects of study and admiration. Provenance: Private American Collection, acquired in London, circa 1905. Thence by descent to the current owners Solomon Treasure...