19th Century Chinese Famille Rose Hundred Boys Dragon Festival Jar & Cover – Tongzhi Mark - Late Qing

A fine late Qing Chinese famille rose porcelain jar and cover, dating to the 19th century and bearing a four-character iron-red Tongzhi reign mark (同治年製) to the base.

Of substantial globular form, the jar is exceptionally densely hand decorated in famille rose enamels with a continuous and highly animated Hundred Boys (Baizi / 百子) festival scene.

Numerous figures populate the composition, dressed in brightly coloured robes of green, cobalt blue, yellow, pink and iron red. Particularly striking is the large sinuous green festival dragon, which sweeps dramatically around the body amongst groups of figures participating in the celebrations. Elsewhere figures carry fish and other auspicious objects, play musical instruments and gather within architectural and garden settings.

The decoration continues almost uninterrupted around the vessel, incorporating traditional Chinese architecture with tiled roofs, flowering trees, lotus, foliage and numerous individual vignettes.

Of particular interest are inscribed standards forming the auspicious expression 天下太平 (Tianxia Taiping), conveying the wish for “peace throughout the realm” or universal peace and prosperity.

The Hundred Boys subject is one of the traditional auspicious themes of Chinese art, symbolising abundant descendants, prosperity and continuation of the family line, and became an important decorative subject on Qing dynasty famille rose porcelain.

The fitted domed cover is similarly decorated with figures and auspicious motifs and surmounted by a distinctive green enamelled knop.

The underside bears the four-character iron-red mark:

同治年製 — Tongzhi Nian Zhi — “Made during the Tongzhi reign.”

The Tongzhi Emperor reigned from 1861–1875. While the present jar carries a Tongzhi mark, on stylistic and constructional grounds we conservatively catalogue the piece as late Qing dynasty, 19th century, circa 1870–1890, rather than claiming that the reign mark necessarily establishes an exact production date.

The exposed foot, interior, cover and contact surfaces display considerable natural age-related discolouration and wear consistent with an antique vessel.

Dimensions: approximately 22 cm high × 20 cm diameter.

Weight: approximately 1,392 g.

Date: Late Qing dynasty, 19th century, circa 1870–1890.

Mark: Four-character iron-red Tongzhi mark, 同治年製.

A substantial and highly decorative example of late Qing famille rose porcelain, particularly appealing for its extensive Hundred Boys festival composition, prominent dragon procession and auspicious symbolism.

About CKB LTD.

CKB LTD. was formed in 2010 and operates as an independent dealer, with a focus on carefully selected works offered through private sale and online platforms.

The company emphasizes informed attribution, clear descriptions, and responsible market practice. Objects are evaluated through visual examination, comparative research, and reference to established art-historical frameworks, with attention to condition, authenticity, and context.

CKB LTD. works with private collectors, dealers, and international buyers, and conducts transactions in accordance with standard international art market conventions. Each item is offered as a collectible work of art, with transparency regarding condition and attribution, and with respect for the nature of historical objects.

Condition, Attribution & Authenticity Notice

This work is offered as an antique object based on visual examination and comparative stylistic analysis. All statements regarding age, origin, attribution, and period represent informed scholarly opinion and are not guarantees of absolute fact.

Condition descriptions are based on external observation only. The interior, underside of the base, and any internal cavities or consecration materials have not been examined. No technical analysis (including XRF, thermoluminescence, or metallurgical testing) has been performed.

As is typical with antique bronzes, minor casting irregularities, surface wear, rubbing to high points, oxidation, and age-related imperfections are present and should be expected. No visible repairs or restorations are observed from the available views; however, the absence of hidden restorations cannot be guaranteed.

All items are sold as is, and prospective buyers are encouraged to examine the photographs carefully and request additional information prior to purchase. By bidding or purchasing, the buyer acknowledges acceptance of the item?s condition and the nature of antique works.

International Buyers ? Important Information

This item is an antique work of art over 100 years old and is sold as a collectible object. Buyers are responsible for any import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or local taxes imposed by their country.

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All shipments are professionally packed and fully insured. Title and risk pass to the buyer upon shipment.

This work is offered in accordance with standard international art market practices.