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Chinese Blue and White Porcelain Plate with Peony and Bamboo Motif

Late 19th century Chinese blue and white porcelain plate with peony and bamboo design, unglazed footrim on reverse. - view 1
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Estimated value

$45 - $120

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Era

Late Qing Dynasty, circa 1880-1910

Origin

🇨🇳 China

Authenticity

Very High(85%)
20

CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE PORCELAIN PLATE WITH PEONY AND BAMBOO MOTIF: IDENTIFICATION

A circular underglaze blue and white porcelain plate featuring an asymmetrical composition of a large peony blossom and bamboo trellis. The central design utilizes a distinct 'stencil-like' or transfer-printed appearance combined with hand-painted elements, characteristic of late 19th-century export or provincial wares. The reverse side is decorated with three scrolling floral sprays in a simplified cobalt wash. The footrim is unglazed and shows signs of iron-oxide burning and kiln grit.

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.

PRODUCTION & FIRING

Produced during the late Qing Dynasty, likely circa 1880-1910, this plate represents the transition from traditional Kangxi-style revivals to more mass-produced utilitarian wares. The simplified floral sprays on the reverse and the slightly greyish-blue cobalt are typical of provincial kilns in ...
Produced during the late Qing Dynasty, likely circa 1880-1910, this plate represents the transition from traditional Kangxi-style revivals to more mass-produced utilitarian wares. The simplified floral sprays on the reverse and the slightly greyish-blue cobalt are typical of provincial kilns in the Guangdong or Fujian regions, which supplied both domestic markets and the overseas Chinese diaspora during the late 19th century.

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

  • Construction and glaze wear are consistent with late 19th-century provincial production
  • Presence of kiln grit and irregular footrim firing is typical for the era
  • Low market value for this specific type makes modern forgery unlikely
How does authenticity detection work?

CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT

Asian Art Specialist

East Asian Art Expert

The visual markers for late 19th-century provincial Chinese ware are clear, particularly in the footrim construction and cobalt application, though the specific kiln location (e.g., Jingdezhen vs. Swatow) is difficult to verify from photos.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Unglazed footrim shows characteristic 'oatmeal' texture and iron-oxide oxidation.
  • 2The cobalt blue sits under a thick, slightly blue-tinted glaze consistent with late Qing provincial wares.
  • 3Compositional style uses a 'broken border' layout common in export ceramics from 1870-1900.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The absence of a reign mark is expected for this grade but makes pinpointing the exact kiln difficult.
  • •Heavy scratching on the face indicates significant domestic use.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Clean the surface with a mild soap to distinguish between glaze staining and surface dirt.
  • →Check for hairline cracks by gently tapping the rim to hear for a clear 'ring' or a dull 'thud'.

CONDITION & GRADE

Fair to Good

Grading breakdown

Structural integrity remains, but multiple small chips (nibbles) on the outer rim and significant stacking wear in the center reduce the grade from 'Fine'.

Condition

Significant rim chipping and visible glaze abrasions are present. There is a noticeable 'mushiness' to the transfer quality and various kiln inclusions (tiny black specks) throughout the body.

CERAMICS MARKET VALUE

$45 - $120

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

General antique collectors or those specializing in 'Kitchen Qing' or provincial Chinese export wares.

What increases value

  • •Popularity of 'Blue and White' aesthetic for interior design
  • •Authenticity of age (genuine late 19th-century piece)

What lowers value

  • •Large rim chips significantly decrease value for serious porcelain collectors
  • •Lack of a reign mark limits upside potential

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Vibrant, deep sapphire cobalt tones
  • •Absence of kiln defects and chips
  • •Documented provenance to a specific known kiln

Grade & condition

Condition of the rim, clarity of the cobalt transfer, and absence of glaze surface pitting.

Rarity & demand

OrdinaryModerate demandModerate liquidity
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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