CHINESE CANTON CERAMIC SWEET MEATS SERVER: Nine, porcelain ceramic trays, hand painted and gilded in the Rose Canton pattern with famille rose palette with flowers, butterflies, birds and bats all housed in a shaped, lidded lacquer box with flowers, birds and Chinese characters, box, 11”d, 27.94cm.

In the early 19th century a new palette in Chinese ceramic decoration evolved which utilized tightly painted and gilded decoration, these were known as the ‘Rose Medallion’ family of decorations. The more careful and tightly packed the decoration, generally the higher the quality. Included within this genre are five specific patterns, 1. Rose Medallion -A central circle is surrounded by panels with alternating decoration which usually include birds, flowers, butterflies, and people in a house. Separating the panels are scrollwork vines, and flying "Fu" bats, a symbol for good luck and happiness. 2. Rose Mandarin – A variation on Rose medallion which is limited to only people in the panels. 3. Rose Canton - Omits the people and only depicts flowers and birds. 4. Cabbage – Which has a radiating design from the center of leafy greens similar to bok choy. 5. Bird and Butterfly – A rare pattern which consists of only scattered birds and butterflies. Referenced and paraphrased from: http://gotheborg.com/qa/exportforthewest.shtml

PROVENANCE: From the mass international collection of the living estate of a former Executive for Levi Strauss International, who traveled the world for the firm buying and shipping denim before retirement and as a Broker of Real Estate in San Francisco, Maine and Florida. He received a B.A. from the University of Omaha, and remains a lead Donor of their Alumni Association today; he earned his Master’s Degree at Ohio State where he served on the Dean’s Staff. He was a Vice-President, 3-term President and still Serves on the Board of Directors for the Lee Memorial Auxiliary. He is a Director on the Board for the Fort Myers Community Concert Association and Sponsor of Southwest Florida Symphony. He is also the Benefactor of Healthcare Educational and Endowment Grants - with a specific generosity for patients of HIV/AIDS, healthcare workers, & of volunteers for the sick and under-privileged.

All nine are free of cracks and restoration but one tiny .125" rim chip to one dish. The lacquer box, while showing expected wear is free of breaks and repairs.