Antique Chinese Canton enamel gaiwan tea set, Qing dynasty, c. 1850–1860
£650.00
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A fine Chinese Canton enamel gaiwan set dating to c. 1850-1860 during the Qing dynasty. This traditional Chinese tea vessel consists of a deep saucer, tea cup and matching lid.
The gaiwan is one of the most important vessels in Chinese tea culture. In traditional Chinese philosophy, the saucer represents the Earth, the lid represents Heaven and the cup represents Man, symbolising harmony between the three. Used for both preparing and drinking tea, this elegant form has remained popular for centuries.
The set is decorated in painted enamels on copper, a technique perfected in Guangzhou (Canton) during the Qing dynasty. The entire surface is painted by hand on a vibrant green ground filled with scrolling black foliage, pink and blue flowers, and shaped cartouches containing miniature landscape scenes. These depict traditional Chinese motifs including Taihu scholar rocks, bamboo, pavilions and garden architecture. The rims retain their original exposed copper mounts, while the underside of the cup is decorated with a characteristic cobalt-blue enamel band enriched with gilded ornament.
The set remains in excellent antique condition, particularly when compared with many surviving examples of mid-19th-century Canton enamels. The enamel retains the slight orange-peel texture, kiln speckling and natural copper patina characteristic of the period. A rare survival of traditional Chinese tea culture, preserved in remarkably good condition for its age.
Measurements
Overall weight: 154 g
Saucer: 11.4 cm diameter × 2.2 cm high (4.5″ × 0.9″)
Cup with lid: 7 cm high (2.8″)
Cup only: 8.2 cm diameter × 5.3 cm high (3.2″ × 2.1″)
Condition
Excellent antique condition. There are a few minor surface scratches to the white enamel inside the cup, on the interior of the lid and on the underside of the saucer. These marks are barely noticeable and do not detract from the overall appearance.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description, and feel free to ask any questions.
Antique Chinese Canton enamel gaiwan tea set, Qing dynasty, c. 1850–1860
£650.00
The gaiwan is one of the most important vessels in Chinese tea culture. In traditional Chinese philosophy, the saucer represents the Earth, the lid represents Heaven and the cup represents Man, symbolising harmony between the three. Used for both preparing and drinking tea, this elegant form has remained popular for centuries.
The set is decorated in painted enamels on copper, a technique perfected in Guangzhou (Canton) during the Qing dynasty. The entire surface is painted by hand on a vibrant green ground filled with scrolling black foliage, pink and blue flowers, and shaped cartouches containing miniature landscape scenes. These depict traditional Chinese motifs including Taihu scholar rocks, bamboo, pavilions and garden architecture. The rims retain their original exposed copper mounts, while the underside of the cup is decorated with a characteristic cobalt-blue enamel band enriched with gilded ornament.
The set remains in excellent antique condition, particularly when compared with many surviving examples of mid-19th-century Canton enamels. The enamel retains the slight orange-peel texture, kiln speckling and natural copper patina characteristic of the period. A rare survival of traditional Chinese tea culture, preserved in remarkably good condition for its age.
Measurements
Overall weight: 154 g
Saucer: 11.4 cm diameter × 2.2 cm high (4.5″ × 0.9″)
Cup with lid: 7 cm high (2.8″)
Cup only: 8.2 cm diameter × 5.3 cm high (3.2″ × 2.1″)
Condition
Excellent antique condition. There are a few minor surface scratches to the white enamel inside the cup, on the interior of the lid and on the underside of the saucer. These marks are barely noticeable and do not detract from the overall appearance.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description, and feel free to ask any questions.