Late Qianlong/early Jiaqing era, circa 1780-1800 Chinese export American market, the scene on the present punchbowl, known as the Sailor’s Farewell, was an extremely popular subject on Chinese export porcelain from 1750 through the end of the eighteenth century. Although the original source from which it was copied is still unknown, the existence of different porcelain versions and glass paintings with the same subjects indicate that there was more than one print available to the Chinese painters at Canton. The romantic subject matter would have appealed to European sailors in Canton, who perhaps could not afford to order specially designed pieces but who nevertheless wished to take home a souvenir for their wife or sweetheart. The subject appears in Chinese export porcelain in at least 10 variations, including a happy sometimes accompanying scene of The Sailor’s Return. The central couple reveals a range of emotions from tearful, clingy good-byes to seemingly indifferent partings. Howard and Ayers point out that a rather ironic feature of the scene is that on most versions the ship has already set sail without the sailor, an indication to the Chinese painters really had no understanding of the underlying subject matter. The present punchbowl is one of the latest versions. Seated on a bank in between domed European structures, the couple look off to the ship in the distance. Reproduced on export porcelain for the greater part of the eighteenth century, the wares decorated with this scene covered all markets, with the inclusion of known examples bearing Dutch, British, Portuguese, and Danish flags. Based on the border used on the present punchbowl, the production dates to the 1780s and 1790s, decades when America’s China trade was in the ascendant and many of the other nations’ respective trades were in decline. Accordingly, it is more likely than not that this was made for the American market. 10 in. Diam., 4 1/2 in. H. CHRISTIE’S NEW YORK, THE PETER H B FRELINGHUYSEN JR COLLECTION OF CHINESE EXPORT PORCELAIN (JAN. 24, 2012), LOT 45 (TEA BOWL AND SAUCER).

Please note: All lots show signs of wear consistent with age and use, and the absence of a statement regarding condition issues does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from imperfections or the effects of aging. Good condition, there is a very high quality restoration