Chinese Canton Enamel Snuff Bottle, European Subject, Qianlong Late 18th Century

A mixture of finely powdered tobacco, herbs, and spices, snuff was introduced to China in the 17th century by Western diplomats. Initially reserved for ranking members of Qing-dynast...

A rare and large antique Chinese Qianlong porcelain chocolate pot the body hand painted with small vignettes containing floral and watery lands...

This small and exquisite Chinese Canton Qianlong period enamel square dish features cut corners and is beautifully decorated with a five-clawed pink dragon surrounded by 18 blue ruyi clouds against a vibrant yellow background. The design is accented by two branches of peaches (or similar fruit) and two branches of peach blossoms (or other fruit blossoms), all framed by an intricate seaweed pattern border. In Chinese symbolism, five-clawed dragons are reserved exclusively for emperors, as the number five is considered sacred, representing the five elements. In contrast, four-clawed dragons are associated with kings, princes, and high-ranking officials, while three-clawed dragons are designated for the merchant class. This piece is crafted from enamel on brass, dating back to the Qianlong period (1736–1795), and is characterized by its hexagonal form and the distinctive Famille Rose palette, often referred to as "Canton enamel." Chinese painted enamel, commonly known as Canton enamel, derives its name from its principal manufacturing location, Canton. This technique was introduced to China in the 18th century, likely by French missionaries, and is inspired by the enameling techniques developed in Limoges, France around 1470. It is referred to in China as "foreign porcelain," suitable since much of it was made for export. During the 18th and 19th centuries, there was significant demand in the West for Chinese porcelain dinner sets...

Rare Chinese tanga, 18th century. This is a very rare piece with beautiful golden thread around the edges of the tanga.