Early 1900s Antique Chinese Export Turquoise Famille Rose Porcelain Tea Set

Pristine, unused early 1900s Chinese export turquoise-ground famille rose porcelain tea service

Republic Period, early 20th century (circa 1900–1930)

A remarkably well-preserved and apparently unused example of early twentieth-century Chinese export porcelain, retaining its vibrant colours and complete original tea service.

Description

This beautiful antique Chinese export porcelain tea service comprises a teapot and cover, cream jug, six teacups and six saucers (14 pieces in total). Each piece is finely decorated in famille rose enamels with butterflies in flight among flowering sprays set against a vibrant turquoise ground, the bases marked “CHINA” with Chinese characters.

Background on this Type of Exported Porcelain from China in the Late 1800s and Early 1900s

Porcelain of this type was produced in Jingdezhen, China’s historic porcelain centre, for export markets in the early twentieth century. Such colourful wares were especially popular among overseas Chinese communities and reflect the lively aesthetic associated with Straits Chinese (Peranakan) taste, where brightly coloured porcelain was prized for serving tea and entertaining guests.

Meaning of the Design

In Chinese symbolism, butterflies represent joy and happiness, while floral motifs evoke prosperity and harmony, making services of this type particularly suitable for welcoming visitors and celebrating family occasions.

Provenance

This tea service comes from a family import-export business. My grandmother owned an import/export shop and preserved the set carefully; it remained wrapped in its original wooden shipping crate with straw packing dating from around 1920 and was never used.

Condition

Pristine and apparently unused, with bright enamels and no blemishes or visible wear.

Set includes

• Teapot with lid

• Cream jug

• Six teacups

• Six saucers

  
  

Total pieces: 14