Antique Chinese Porcelain Serving Dish with Lid. Qing. 19th Century

Beautiful Antique Chinese Porcelain Serving Dish with Lid. Qing. China 19th Century

This magnificent lidded tureen is a genuine antique Chinese porcelain piece from the 19th century, crafted during the Qing Dynasty. Its elegant rectangular shape and refined decoration make it a visually stunning and rare item. Created specifically for export to Europe, it bears no maker’s marks, a common trait in many Qing-period export porcelains. Every surface of this piece has been meticulously hand-painted with traditional Chinese motifs: multicolored phoenixes with flowing plumage, exotic foliage, blooming flowers, winding rocks, and small human groups in bucolic or courtly scenes.

The lid displays a central scene of vivid phoenixes, surrounded by a richly detailed floral border featuring roses, peonies, and chrysanthemums. The gilt finial, with its organic shape, has been professionally restored, maintaining the visual harmony of the piece. The decoration across the tureen is symmetrical and perfectly balanced, the result of expert craftsmanship from painters working in renowned workshops during the Qing reign.

Inside the tureen, another enchanting scene unfolds: phoenixes rest on flowering branches in a tranquil landscape with stylized rocks, blooming trees, and human figures accompanied by dogs and horses. This blend of nature, spirituality, and delicate color use is a hallmark of 19th-century export porcelain. A broad decorative border frames the inner composition using soft tones of pink, green, orange, and blue.

The piece is in excellent condition. It has no hairlines or visible wear, and the glaze remains glossy proof of careful preservation. A superb example of Oriental refinement, it perfectly reflects the European taste for exoticism during the 19th century. Whether as a display piece or part of a refined porcelain collection, this tureen represents elegance and timeless beauty.

A true collector’s treasure, this is a piece for those who value tradition, craftsmanship, and historical charm.

Measurements: 24.5 x 21 cm (9.64 x 8.26 in).

History of Qing Dynasty Porcelain

Porcelain production during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) represents a pinnacle of Chinese ceramic artistry. Inheriting the Ming legacy, Qing artisans took decoration and technical sophistication to new heights. During the 19th century, workshops in Jingdezhen, known as the porcelain capital,  specialized in export ware for Europe and the Americas. These porcelains often featured vibrant colors and incredibly fine brushwork, enhanced by innovative enamels. A defining style of this period is the “Famille Rose” palette, which allowed detailed, expressive painting of flowers, birds, and human figures. Because many pieces were made for export, it was common for them to lack a signature or brand. These works often depicted harmonious natural settings, Confucian spirituality, and auspicious animals such as the phoenix, a symbol of nobility, peace, and longevity.

Tureens like this one were luxury items, used both in high-end banquets and as ornamental pieces. The presence of phoenixes and peonies (symbols of wealth and fortune) reinforced their cultural and decorative value. Today, Qing porcelain is highly prized by collectors and museums alike for its beauty, symbolism, and exceptional craftsmanship.