Chinese Export Porcelain Jm Monogrammed Service, C.1785–1795

A fine late 18th-century Chinese export porcelain part service from the Qianlong period, circa 1785–1795, comprising two tall cylindrical jugs, two deep plates and a lobed oval footed serving dish.

Made at Jingdezhen for the Western market, the service is decorated in cobalt blue and gold with star-filled bands, loop ornament and geometric borders. The design belongs to the highly developed tradition of personalised export porcelain ordered by European and American clients through the Canton trade.

Each piece carries the same pseudo-armorial cartouche with a white shield enclosing the gilt initials "JM", framed by an ermine mantle, cobalt ribbon, scrolling drapery and pendant tassels. The monogrammed cartouche is repeated on both sides of each jug.

The border decoration is associated in reference literature with the "Blue Canton Star and Band" and "Exeter pattern" groups. A late 18th-century Jingdezhen pattern plate in the Victoria and Albert Museum illustrates the system by which Western customers selected border and armorial designs for commissioned services.

The pieces show natural variation in body colour and thickness. The oval dish is heavier and slightly greyer-blue in tone, with a yellowish-ochre firing band around its unglazed foot caused by iron present in the ceramic body.

Together, the five pieces form a coherent surviving group from the same privately commissioned late Qianlong service.

Sizes:

Pair of jugs: H 18 cm, W approx. 16 cm, base Ø 10.3 cm, weights 554 g and 591 g

First plate: Ø 23.3 cm, H 3 cm, weight 507 g

Second plate: Ø 23.3 cm, H 3 cm, weight 440 g

Oval serving dish: L 26.7 cm, W 19 cm, H 5.2 cm, weight 681 g

Condition:

The first plate has a fine hairline from the rim and minor gilt wear to the monogram and rim. The second has several small firing spots, a faint superficial glaze line on the reverse and heavier wear to the gilt rim. The oval dish has gilt wear to the upper edge, foot and monogram but no cracks or scratches. Both jugs have some gilt wear to the handles and rims, while the monograms remain very well preserved. Each has the same small manufacturing indentation inside the handle; the second also has a very small superficial glaze crack in this area. No structural cracks or breaks to either jug.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Shipping costs include handling, packaging and postage.