Chinese Export Armorial Blue and White Porcelain Charger, Kangxi, 1715

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An early 18th-century Chinese export armorial charger dating to the late Kangxi period, circa 1715–1722, produced in hard-paste porcelain and … Read more An early 18th-century Chinese export armorial charger dating to the late Kangxi period, circa 1715–1722, produced in hard-paste porcelain and finely decorated in underglaze cobalt blue. The central composition depicts a pheasant and quail within a landscape of pine, bamboo and rockwork. The scene is surrounded by an intricate wan-fret border incorporating floral reserves, while additional birds, insects and flowering plants enrich the decoration. A European family crest incorporated into the design transforms the charger into an early example of Chinese armorial porcelain commissioned for the English market. The combination of the hard-paste porcelain body, underglaze cobalt decoration, brown-dressed rim, glazed base and densely ornamented border is characteristic of Chinese export porcelain from the late Kangxi period. The crest, depicting an arm in armour with a bow at the wrist and broad arrow, closely corresponds with that recorded for the Downing family of East Hatley. Given the proposed dating, the commission may be associated with Sir George Downing, 3rd Baronet, who inherited the baronetcy in 1711. The charger is a particularly decorative example of the interaction between Chinese porcelain production and European heraldic patronage during the early 18th century. Period: Late Kangxi Date: circa 1715–1722 Origin: China Condition: Extensively and professionally restored following a break, with areas of overpainting. See less