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Chinese Export Famille Rose Medallion Plate

19th-century Chinese Rose Medallion porcelain export plate with vase motif and floral panels. - view 1
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Estimated value

$120 - $250

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Era

Mid-to-late 19th Century (c. 1850-1880)

Origin

🇨🇳 China

Authenticity

Very High(85%)
21

CHINESE EXPORT FAMILLE ROSE MEDALLION PLATE: IDENTIFICATION

A porcelain export plate featuring the Rose Medallion pattern, characterized by a central medallion containing a floral-filled vase surrounded by alternating panels. The panels depict birds, flowers, and 'Shou' longevity symbols executed in overglaze enamels. The palette is dominated by iron red, rose pink, and malachite green, typical of 19th-century Canton production destined for the Western market.

Compare with other ceramic pieces in the archive: Alabaster Urn-Shaped Vase, Han Dynasty Style Glazed Ceramic Boar Figurine, Chinese Blue and White 'Three Friends of Winter' Stem Cup, Ming Style.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Victorian Britain1837-1901

Chinoiserie aesthetics led to the widespread adoption of these plates for formal dinner services.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Traditional Chinese New Year displays often incorporate the 'Shou' (longevity) and 'Vase' (peace) symbols shown here.

Meaning Through Time

19th Century

A symbol of international trade wealth and high social status in American/European homes.

Modern Era

A cornerstone of the 'Grandmillennial' decor trend and a staple of the global antique trade.

PRODUCTION & FIRING

Produced in the Guangdong (Canton) region during the mid-to-late 19th century, specifically the Daoguang to Guangxu periods (c. 1840-1890). This style was manufactured specifically for export to Europe and North America, where the dense 'Rose Medallion' and 'Rose Canton' patterns became staples of ...
Produced in the Guangdong (Canton) region during the mid-to-late 19th century, specifically the Daoguang to Guangxu periods (c. 1840-1890). This style was manufactured specifically for export to Europe and North America, where the dense 'Rose Medallion' and 'Rose Canton' patterns became staples of Victorian domestic high-dining. The unglazed footrim shows the characteristic orange-toned 'firing line' where the iron-rich paste reacted with the kiln atmosphere.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 173 ceramics items at rarity 3 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

  • Unglazed footrim shows correct grit remains and oxidation coloration for 19th-century Canton ware
  • Hand-painted enamel variations and wear patterns are consistent with age
  • Pitting in the 'duck egg' glaze is a known sign of mid-19th century production
How does authenticity detection work?

CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT

Ceramics Historian & Kiln Specialist

Ceramics Expert

Identification is high due to the clear diagnostic features of Canton export porcelain, though exact dating within the 19th century is hindered by the lack of a mark.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Iron-red wash on motifs and thick rose enamels are diagnostic of the late Qing dynasty palette.
  • 2The unglazed footrim shows the manual smoothing marks and characteristic kiln grit of the period.
  • 3Pitting and 'pinholes' in the base glaze indicate a 19th-century kiln atmosphere control.
  • 4Presence of 'Shou' characters in medallions is typical of the Rose Medallion sub-style.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Rim chip at 2 o'clock significantly reduces collector value compared to mint examples.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Perform a 'tap test' with a wooden stick to listen for a clear ring (proving no hidden hairline cracks).
  • →Examine under UV light to ensure the rim chip has not been poorly restored with overpaint.
  • →Compare the greenery motifs with documented 'Rose Medallion' vs 'Rose Canton' patterns to refine the sub-type.

CONDITION & GRADE

Good (G)

Grading breakdown

The primary value detractor is the prominent rim chip and approximately 40% loss of the original water-gilding on the inner circular borders.

Condition

Visible rim chip at the 2 o'clock position and significant wear to the gilt highlights along the interior border. The footrim shows accumulated grime and localized iron staining consistent with age and storage.

CERAMICS MARKET VALUE

$120 - $250

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Traditional antique collectors and interior designers looking for Chinoiserie accents.

What increases value

  • •Vibrancy of the rose and green enamels
  • •Complexity of the central medallion motif

What lowers value

  • •Mechanical damage such as the visible rim chip
  • •Extensive gilding rub which dulls the visual impact

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Superior fine-line brushwork in the bird feathers
  • •Unusually heavy weight and white paste
  • •Intact mercury-gilding

Grade & condition

Condition is the primary value driver for this common pattern; chips and gilding wear are standard downgrades.

Rarity & demand

OrdinaryModerate demandSells quickly
Browse similar ceramics objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

BR

bruinsma
The Connoisseur•59 items

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