Pair of 18th century Chinese export famille rose 'Rooster' teacups and saucers

A set of two Chinese export porcelain tea bowls and saucers dating to the Qianlong period (mid-18th century). The pieces feature the popular 'Rooster' pattern, executed in the famille rose palette with vibrant enamels and gilded accents.

Pair of Chinese Export Famille Rose 'Rooster' Teacups and Saucers

Tea bowls and saucers

Hard-paste porcelain with overglaze enamels and gilding

Excellent

Famille rose enamels featuring roosters, peonies, and garden rocks; green diaper borders; gilded highlights.

Two small handleless teacups (tea bowls) and two matching saucers. The porcelain is fine and translucent. The exterior of the cups and the center of the saucers are decorated with a rooster standing on blue garden rocks among blossoming pink peonies. The rims are finished with a green diaper-pattern border, and the saucers feature an inner gilded scroll border.

• •Overall view of the two sets
• •Interior view showing central peony spray
• •Detail of the rooster and peony motif with red seal marks
• •Foot rim showing unglazed paste

• •Minor rubbing to the gilding on the rims
• •Slight enamel wear consistent with age
• •No visible cracks, chips, or professional restorations
• •Typical kiln grit and minor firing spots on the foot rims

While the style is mid-18th century, high-quality reproductions were made in the late 19th century (Samson of Paris) and the late 20th century. However, the paste and enamel depth here suggest 18th-century origin.

Qianlong Period, circa 1750

• •Handleless 'tea bowl' form characteristic of the mid-18th century
• •Use of 'rose' enamel (colloidal gold) which became dominant in the mid-1700s
• •Specific 'Rooster' motif popular in export markets during the 1740s-1760s
• •Hand-trimmed foot rims with characteristic orange-toned oxidation

The style of the rooster and the specific shade of the blue rocks are highly consistent with Jingdezhen export wares produced for the European market during the mid-Qianlong reign.

• •The red seal marks are somewhat unusual for standard export ware but are occasionally found on higher-quality 'eggshell' type pieces

The 'Rooster' pattern is one of the most frequently copied designs. Modern fakes often have very flat, thin enamels and perfectly smooth, white foot rims without the slight grit or oxidation seen here.

The red square seals on the saucers are likely decorative or apocryphal 'hall marks' rather than official reign marks, which is common for export porcelain of this era.

• •Enamels show appropriate 'impasto' (thickness), especially in the pink peonies
• •Foot rims show natural wear and period-appropriate firing characteristics
• •The green diaper border is hand-painted with slight irregularities
• •The porcelain body has the correct 'orange peel' texture under magnification

In Chinese culture, the rooster (gongji) is a symbol of punctuality, reliability, and protection against evil spirits. When paired with the peony (the 'king of flowers'), it represents a wish for wealth and honor.

This specific pattern was highly favored by the Dutch and English East India Companies. It is often referred to as 'Rooster and Peony' and was part of the broader 'Famille Rose' revolution in ceramics.

The Rooster pattern is a staple of Chinese Export collections. Sets in good condition are highly sought after due to their vibrant colors and charming subject matter.

Estimates are based on recent auction results for similar items in excellent condition. Retail prices may be higher.

• •Condition: The lack of chips or cracks significantly preserves value.
• •Completeness: Having matching pairs (two cups, two saucers) increases desirability.
• •Enamel Quality: The vibrancy of the pink and the detail in the rooster's feathers are high-quality.

• •Sotheby's (2021): A similar pair of Qianlong rooster saucers sold for approx. $750.
• •Christie's (2019): A set of four similar tea bowls and saucers fetched $1,800.
• •Regional Auction (2023): Single cup and saucer in this pattern sold for $350.

• •Examine the pieces under a UV (black) light to ensure no invisible professional repairs to the rims.
• •Document the provenance if known, as 18th-century export pieces with a history of ownership command higher prices.

• •Hand wash only in lukewarm water with mild soap.
• •Avoid all chemical cleaners or abrasive pads which will strip the gilding.
• •Display away from direct sunlight to prevent long-term enamel stress.

A very fine pair of authentic 18th-century Chinese export porcelain sets in a highly desirable pattern, appearing to be in excellent collector-grade condition.

• •Chinese Export Porcelain department at Christie's or Sotheby's
• •Jorge Welsh Works of Art (Specialist Dealer)