PKR Antiques is currently seeking to purchase fine examples of Chinese Export.
As the name suggests, Chinese export is porcelain produced for the overseas markets – usually for the European powerhouse cities of the 18th century.
Chinese export loosely falls into two categories, namely Armorial and Figural.
Armorial porcelain was commissioned by wealthy European family, centered by enameled heraldry family crests. Usually these “export services” were massive settings of large tureen to small luncheon plates and 2in salt dishes. These services often possessed every example of the Georgian service item for the table, all enameled in conforming design – usually commissioned by the patriarch and centered by family arms.
These large services often incorporated domestic motifs (Meissen or Worcester) patterns interpreted by Chinese artisans along side there own domestic “Chinese design”. Often creating wonderful and at times odd marriages.
As wealthy families in Europe started commissioning opulent and expensive “family” services, the American market followed suit.
London’s good taste was closely followed by American families. The Washington and Fitzpatrick services are better known examples of American services.
These services vary greatly in size and quality of decoration, usually defined by the checkbook available at the time of commission. The subtle taste of the American palette in comparison to the “dandy”Europeans also affects value. Single serving pieces from the better services of the 18th century can command upwards of $1000 each.
Figural and Dutch decoration Chinese Export.
As the name suggests figural decorated Chinese export shows figures. Often decorated in Chinese style and with little difference in quality to imperial workshop quality, except often depicting European subject or Chinese scenes that were thought to be what Europeans thought were Chinese scenes.
European prints of the 18th century were often used as templates for cup and saucers or flatware (plates).
Another interesting feature of figural ware is the wide and varied subject matter decorated on to porcelain.
From Biblical subjects to prominent politicians to well known ships and cities all appear on Chinese export.
It’s is important to know some Chinese Export was decorated in Europe- known as Dutch decorated and often is worth less value than domestic Chinese examples.
PKR Antiques look to purchase a singe or entire collection of Chinese export from Tureen to oversized vases.
Please feel free to contact Robert at 561 420 3943 to discuss an appointment for Apprasial.
