Chinese Butterfly Antiques Archives - Antique Butterflies https://antiquebutterflies.com/chinese-butterfly-antiques/ Information and Price Guide to Vintage and Antique Collectibles featuring Butterflies Tue, 29 Aug 2023 07:25:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 Chinese Blue and White Porcelain https://antiquebutterflies.com/chinese-blue-and-white-porcelain/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 07:25:43 +0000 https://antiquebutterflies.com/?p=656 The first Chinese blue and white wares were produced as early as the seventh century in Henan province, China during the Tang dynasty, although only shards have been discovered. Tang…

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The first Chinese blue and white wares were produced as early as the seventh century in Henan province, China during the Tang dynasty, although only shards have been discovered. Tang period blue-and-white is more rare than Song blue-and-white and was unknown before 1985. The Tang pieces are not porcelain however, but rather earthenwares with greenish white slip, using cobalt blue pigments. Reference: Wikipedia

Below are some examples and price guides of antique Chinese blue and white porcelain including a Kangxi pot and a fine porcelain snuff bottle.

Chinese Blue and White Kangxi Pot and Cover

Chinese Blue and White Kangxi Pot and Cover,
1662-1722,
squat bulbous shape with metal handles and finial, underglaze decorated with a mountainous landscape with figures on one side, the reverse with a flower garden with insects, approx. overall dia. 8 3/4, ht. 8 1/4 in.

Sold for Sold for US$6,400 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023


CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN YUHUCHUNPIN VASE

CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN YUHUCHUNPIN VASE, the body with raised decoration depicting sprays of flora and butterflies, the neck with a band of blue and white foliate decoration, six-character mark to base, 30cm high.

Sold for US$300 at Royal Sea LLC in 2023


FINE CHINESE BLUE WHITE ENAMEL SNUFF BOTTLE POEM QIANLONG MARK

FINE CHINESE BLUE WHITE ENAMEL SNUFF BOTTLE POEM QIANLONG MARK

This blue and white bottle is finely enameled and features a floral scene with a butterfly on one side and a poem on the other. There are also fine gilding touches. It bears the Qianlong mark and is 2.8 inches tall.

Sold for US$120 at Noble House Collection Gallery in 2023


A Chinese blue and white jar, Kangxi

A Chinese blue and white jar, Kangxi (1662-1722), of ovoid form, painted with precious objects, butterflies and flowers in shaped panels, 26cm high Condition Report: Signs of glue to rim.

Sold for £820 at Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers in 2023


Blue And White Butterfly Pattern Holding Box, Kangxi Mark

Blue And White Butterfly Pattern Holding Box, Kangxi Mark

Sold for CA$250 at Arnaud’s Auctions and Appraisals LIMITED in 2023


Rare Chinese Blue & White Porcelain Vase

Rare Chinese Blue & White Porcelain Vase

Of tall baluster form, the exterior painted with birds, butterflies and gnarled tree branches, the bottom inscribed with six-character mark. Approx. 12.4-7 inch.

Sold for US$3,250 at Wealthier Art & Auction in 2023


Chinese blue and white bird and flower jar

Chinese blue and white bird and flower jar, of ovoid form, decorated with a pair of bulbuls perched in a peony bush with rockwork to the side and butterflies floating above, having no apparent mark.

Approximate dimensions: h. 11″, dia. 7″.

Sold for US$450 at Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery in 2023


A Pair of Large Chinese Porcelain Blue and White Table Lamps

A Pair of Large Chinese Porcelain Blue and White Table Lamps

contemporary, large ginger jars painted with birds, flowers and butterflies in blue, drilled and set into wood mounts as lamps with single lightbulb fixture, fabric lampshades, and decorative porcelain disc finials with blue landscape scene, label stickers remain to body of lamps.

Sold for US$375 at Leland Little in 2023


Blue and white vase with butterfly pattern of the Qing Dynasty

Blue and white vase with butterfly pattern of the Qing Dynasty

Sold for US$3,750 at YaShawn Auction House in 2023


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Joseon / Choson Dynasty https://antiquebutterflies.com/joseon-choson-dynasty/ Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:00:44 +0000 https://antiquebutterflies.com/?p=424 Joseon / Choson Dynasty. The Joseon dynasty (also transcribed as Chosŏn or Chosen, literally translated as Great Korean Country) was a Korean dynastic kingdom that lasted for approximately five centuries. Joseon…

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Joseon / Choson Dynasty. The Joseon dynasty (also transcribed as Chosŏn or Chosen, literally translated as Great Korean Country) was a Korean dynastic kingdom that lasted for approximately five centuries. Joseon was founded by Yi Seong-gye in July 1392 and was replaced by the Korean Empire in October 1897. It was founded following the aftermath of the overthrow of Goryeo in what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul. The kingdom’s northernmost borders were expanded to the natural boundaries at the rivers of Amnok and Tuman through the subjugation of the Jurchens. Joseon was the last dynasty of Korea and its longest-ruling Confucian dynasty.

The Mid-Joseon dynasty painting styles moved towards increased realism. A national painting style of landscapes called “true view” began – moving from the traditional Chinese style of idealized general landscapes to particular locations exactly rendered. While not photographic, the style was academic enough to become established and supported as a standardized style in Korean painting. At this time China ceased to have pre-eminent influence, Korean art took its own course, and became increasingly distinctive to the traditional Chinese painting.

Ceramics are a form of popular art during the Joseon Dynasty. Examples of ceramics include white porcelain or white porcelain decorated with cobalt, copper red underglaze, blue underglaze and iron underglaze. Ceramics from the Joseon period differ from other periods because artists felt that each piece of art deserved its own uniquely cultivated personality. Reference: Wikipedia

 

A MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAID BLACK LACQUER TABLE STAND Joseon dynasty (1392-1897) Small hexagonal vase with long neck. Made of porcelain with underglaze blue decoration of peonies and butterflies. PAIR OF RARE KOREAN CHOSON CANDLESTICK HOLDERS Butterflies and Peonies mid- to late19th century Attributed to Nam Gye-u Korean A Rare Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid 'Floral Vine' Lacquer Box and Cover Korea, Chosŏn Dynasty, 15th / 16th century Storage jar of porcelain, decorated with flowers and butterflies in copper red pigment under clear glaze

 

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Chinese Porcelain https://antiquebutterflies.com/chinese-porcelain/ Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:33:54 +0000 https://antiquebutterflies.com/?p=414 Chinese Porcelain. Porcelain was invented in China over a centuries-long development period beginning with “proto-porcelain” wares dating from the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). By the time of the Eastern Han…

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Chinese Porcelain. Porcelain was invented in China over a centuries-long development period beginning with “proto-porcelain” wares dating from the Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). By the time of the Eastern Han dynasty (AD 25–220) these early glazed ceramic wares had developed into porcelain, which Chinese defined as high-fired ware. Reference: Chinese Porcelain: Art, Elegance and Appreciation (Arts of China) By the late Sui dynasty (581–618 AD) and early Tang dynasty (618–907 AD), the now-standard requirements of whiteness and translucency had been achieved, in types such as Ding ware. The wares were already exported to the Islamic world, where they were highly prized.

Eventually, porcelain and the expertise required to create it began to spread into other areas of East Asia. During the Song dynasty (960–1279 AD), artistry and production had reached new heights. The manufacture of porcelain became highly organised, and the dragon kilns excavated from this period could fire as many as 25,000 pieces at a time, and over 100,000 by the end of the period. While Xing ware is regarded as among the greatest of the Tang dynasty porcelain, Ding ware became the premier porcelain of the Song dynasty.

By the time of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644 AD), porcelain wares were being exported to Europe. Some of the most well-known Chinese porcelain art styles arrived in Europe during this era, such as the coveted “blue-and-white” wares. The Ming dynasty controlled much of the porcelain trade, which was expanded to Asia, Africa and Europe via the Silk Road. In 1517, Portuguese merchants began direct trade by sea with the Ming dynasty, and in 1598, Dutch merchants followed.

Some porcelains were more highly valued than others in imperial China. The most valued types can be identified by their association with the court, either as tribute offerings, or as products of kilns under imperial supervision. Since the Yuan dynasty, the largest and best centre of production has made Jingdezhen porcelain. During the Ming dynasty, Jingdezhen porcelain become a source of imperial pride. The Yongle emperor erected a white porcelain brick-faced pagoda at Nanjing, and an exceptionally smoothly glazed type of white porcelain is peculiar to his reign. Jingdezhen porcelain’s fame came to a peak during the Qing dynasty. Reference: Wikipedia

 

A LARGE ENAMELED PORCELAIN PLANTER Republic period A MAGNIFICENT PAIR OF FAMILLE ROSE 'BUTTERFLY' DOUBLE-GOURD VASES QIANLONG SIX-CHARACTER SEAL MARKS IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795) Chinese Famille Rose Enamel-Decorated and Parcel-Gilt Porcelain Footed Dish Vase with Butterflies late 17th–early 18th century A large pair of Chinoiserie gilt and patinated bronze mounted Chinese export porcelain vases, mounted as oil lamps France, late 19th/early 20th century Porcelain bowl painted with enamel colours depicting lotuses, bamboo, water, ducks and other birds. Inside, painted with small red flowers and two butterflies

 

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Famille Rose https://antiquebutterflies.com/famille-rose/ Thu, 12 Mar 2020 08:09:36 +0000 https://antiquebutterflies.com/?p=358 The term famille rose refers to the color palettes used in Chinese porcelain. Famille rose was introduced late in the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1661–1722), possibly around 1720. It…

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The term famille rose refers to the color palettes used in Chinese porcelain. Famille rose was introduced late in the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1661–1722), possibly around 1720. It used mainly pink or purple and remained popular throughout the 18th and the 19th centuries, also being widely adopted by European factories. Famille rose enamel ware allows a greater range of colour and tone than was previously possible, enabling the depiction of more complex images, including flowers, figures and insects. Reference: Wikipedia.

Below are some examples, information and price guides to famille rose antiques which include butterflies in their design, including a pair of butterfly bottle vases and a pair of butterfly cups.

A PAIR OF FAMILLE ROSE BUTTERFLY BOTTLE VSES GUANGXU SIX-CHARACTER MARKS IN IRON-RED AND OF THE PERIOD (1875-1908) Chinese Famille Rose Enamel-Decorated and Parcel-Gilt Porcelain Footed Dish YONGZHENG MARK FAMILLE ROSE FLOWERS AND BUTTERFLIES A PAIR OF FAMILLE-ROSE 'BUTTERFLY' CUPS Vase of porcelain painted with enamels, 1736-1795, Qianlong period, Chinese Bowl with Flowers and Butterflies

 

 

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Qianlong Reign https://antiquebutterflies.com/qianlong-reign/ Tue, 10 Mar 2020 08:38:12 +0000 https://antiquebutterflies.com/?p=347 The Qianlong Reign dates between 1736 and 1795 and falls within the Qing Dynasty. The Qianlong Emperor (25 September 1711 – 7 February 1799) was the sixth Emperor of the…

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The Qianlong Reign dates between 1736 and 1795 and falls within the Qing Dynasty. The Qianlong Emperor (25 September 1711 – 7 February 1799) was the sixth Emperor of the Qing dynasty, and the fourth Qing emperor to rule over China proper. Reference: Wikipedia

Below are some examples of antiques depicting butterflies from the Qianlong period including two carved lacquer boxes and a butterfly and melon bowl.

Two boxes of Carved Lacquer A FINELY CARVED SPINACH-GREEN JADE 'MARRIAGE BOWL' Chinese Enameled Porcelain Snuff Bottle A CHINESE FAMILLE ROSE 'BUTTERFLY AND MELON' BOWL A white jade 'cat and butterfly' group Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period Vase of porcelain painted with enamels, 1736-1795, Qianlong period, Chinese

 

 

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Qing Dynasty https://antiquebutterflies.com/qing-dynasty/ Sat, 07 Mar 2020 16:15:56 +0000 https://antiquebutterflies.com/?p=314 The Qing dynasty, officially the Great Qing , was the last imperial dynasty of China. It was established in 1636, and ruled China proper from 1644 to 1911. It was…

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The Qing dynasty, officially the Great Qing , was the last imperial dynasty of China. It was established in 1636, and ruled China proper from 1644 to 1911. It was preceded by the Ming dynasty and succeeded by the Republic of China. The Qing multi-cultural empire lasted for almost three centuries and formed the territorial base for modern China. It was the fifth largest empire in world history. The dynasty was founded by the Manchu Aisin Gioro clan in Manchuria. In the late sixteenth century, Nurhaci, originally a Ming vassal, began organizing “Banners”, military-social units that included Manchu, Han, and Mongol elements. Nurhaci united Manchu clans and officially proclaimed the Later Jin dynasty in 1616. His son Hong Taiji began driving Ming forces out of the Liaodong Peninsula and declared a new dynasty, the Qing, in 1636. Reference: Wikipedia

Below are some examples, information and price guides to antiques depicting butterflies from the Qing dynasty, including a woman’s headdress and a jade planter.

 

Vase with Butterflies late 17th–early 18th century Woman's headdress (tien tzu) A PAINTED CANTON ENAMEL 'FLOWERS AND BUTTERFLIES' DISH QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY Watercolour and ink on Chinese paper Two jade-mounted metal hand mirrors RARE PLANTER IN JADE, CORAL AND HARD STONES CHINA, XIXEME-XXEME CENTURY

 

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Ming Dynasty https://antiquebutterflies.com/ming-dynasty/ Fri, 06 Mar 2020 08:52:29 +0000 https://antiquebutterflies.com/?p=302 The Ming dynasty, officially the Great Ming, was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644 following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. The Ming dynasty was the…

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The Ming dynasty, officially the Great Ming, was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644 following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. The Ming dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China ruled by Han Chinese. Although the primary capital of Beijing fell in 1644 to a rebellion led by Li Zicheng (who established the Shun dynasty, soon replaced by the Manchu-led Qing dynasty), numerous rump regimes loyal to the Ming throne – collectively called the Southern Ming – survived until 1662. Reference: Wikipedia.

Below are some examples, information and price guides to antique Ming items which feature butterflies in their design, including a blue and white Kraak dish and a Junyao stand.

 

A blue and white Kraak porcelain deep dish Porcelain dish. Decorated in overglaze green, yellow, red and brown enamels A LATE MING WUCAI SAUCER-DISH Chinese Junyao Stand Ming Dynasty Good pair Chinese Huanghuali cabinets

 

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Song Dynasty https://antiquebutterflies.com/song-dynasty/ Thu, 05 Mar 2020 08:39:32 +0000 https://antiquebutterflies.com/?p=292 The Song dynasty (960–1279) was culturally the most brilliant era in later imperial Chinese history. A time of great social and economic change, the period in large measure shaped the…

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The Song dynasty (960–1279) was culturally the most brilliant era in later imperial Chinese history. A time of great social and economic change, the period in large measure shaped the intellectual and political climate of China down to the twentieth century. The first half of this era, when the capital was located at Bianliang (modern Kaifeng), is known as the Northern Song period.

The early Northern Song dynasty witnessed the flowering of one of the supreme artistic expressions of Chinese civilization: monumental landscape painting. Retreating to the mountains to escape the turmoil and destruction that occurred at the end of the Tang dynasty (618–907), tenth-century recluse-painters discovered in nature the moral order that they had found lacking in the human world. In their visionary landscapes, the great mountain, towering above the lesser mountains, trees, and men, was like “a ruler among his subjects, a master among servants.” Later, Song court painters transformed these idealized images of nature into emblems of a perfectly ordered state. Reference: The Metropolitan Museum

Fragment of tapestry weave silk (kesi) A rare bronze 'lotus pond' barbed-rim basin A RARE PAINTED JIZHOU OVOID VASE SOUTHERN SONG/YUAN DYNASTY, 13TH-14TH CENTURY Song dynasty Cui bai's butterfly flowers painting One from a Set of Dishes with Bamboo, Plum Blossoms, Butterflies, and Birds late 13th–14th century A CIZHOU BLACK-PAINTED 'BIRD AND FLOWER' TULU VASE SONG DYNASTY

 

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Tang Dynasty https://antiquebutterflies.com/tang-dynasty/ Tue, 03 Mar 2020 11:02:09 +0000 https://antiquebutterflies.com/?p=281 The Tang Dynasty or the Tang Empire was an imperial dynasty of China that ruled from 618 to 907, with an interregnum between 690 and 705. It was preceded by…

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The Tang Dynasty or the Tang Empire was an imperial dynasty of China that ruled from 618 to 907, with an interregnum between 690 and 705. It was preceded by the Sui dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in Chinese history. Historians generally regard the Tang as a high point in Chinese civilization, and a golden age of cosmopolitan culture. Tang territory, acquired through the military campaigns of its early rulers, rivaled that of the Han dynasty. The Tang capital at Chang’an (present-day Xi’an) was the most populous city in the world in its day.

Many notable innovations occurred under the Tang, including the development of woodblock printing. Buddhism became a major influence in Chinese culture, with native Chinese sects gaining prominence. However, in the 840s the Emperor Wuzong of Tang enacted policies to persecute Buddhism, which subsequently declined in influence. Although the dynasty and central government had gone into decline by the 9th century, art and culture continued to flourish. The weakened central government largely withdrew from managing the economy, but the country’s mercantile affairs stayed intact and commercial trade continued to thrive regardless. Reference: Wikipedia

Tang Dynasty objects with butterfly designs are extremely rare, however, occasionally they turn up at auctions such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s. Below are some examples of these objects.

A FINE AND RARE PARCEL GILT-COPPER LOBED POURING BOWL A SILVERED-BRONZE MIRROR AND TWO BRONZE DRAGON-HEAD BELTHOOKS THE MIRROR: TANG DYNASTY THE BELTHOOKS: WARRING STATES PERIOD

 

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