Plate - Ceramic - Boys New Year Plate

Chinese Blue-and-White Porcelain Plate – “Scholar with Boys & Lanterns” (童子提灯) – Guangxu to early Republic, c. 1880–1920

Well-painted porcelain plate in underglaze cobalt, the central medallion showing an elder scholar/patriarch (often read as Shou-type figure of longevity) surrounded by four boys (童子), two holding festival lanterns aloft. The subject is a classic auspicious theme wishing for prosperity, longevity, and many sons. A broad border of scrolling fruiting vines with reserved cartouches and emblem motifs runs around the rim, framed by double-line borders.

Period / Kiln context: Late Qing dynasty into early Republic (Guangxu era influence), c. 1880–1920.
Decoration: Underglaze cobalt blue of medium tone with light/shaded washes; confident outline; typical late-19th-century palette.
Reverse / Foot: Pale bluish glaze; unglazed footrim with iron-brown firing specks and tool marks; unmarked (as expected for this class).

Provenance: Private collection, Europe.

Condition

Rim: one small glaze loss/chip at the outer rim (clearly photographed); adjacent tiny pinhole/firing bubble.
Minor firing grit to the foot and occasional glaze specks/scratches typical of period manufacture and use.
No cracks or restorations observed in the images provided. (As always, please review all photographs for the exact condition.)

Marks / Back

Unmarked; recessed base fully glazed, footrim unglazed with reddish firing accretions and light tool impressions—consistent with late 19th–early 20th-century production.

(UV-checked). Quasi excellent, with small superficial chip of ca. 4 mm to back rim as shown in photos. Difficult to see.

DISCLAIMER

Dating and attribution (Guangxu to early Republic, c. 1880–1920) are expert opinions based on style, body, glaze, and foot construction; no laboratory tests have been performed. The lot is sold strictly “as is”; buyers should rely on the photos—especially the rim—and request any additional images before bidding. The piece will be carefully packed and sent with tracking; insurance where available. Any import duties, VAT, or related charges are the buyer’s responsibility. Shipment will not be made to destinations where such items are restricted.

We do our best to disclose anything that will impact value and / or desirability. Ages and descriptions stated are our opinions based on over 30 years experience in selling antiques. All items are sold "as is". You the buyer are ultimately responsible for agreeing or disagreeing with our opinions BEFORE placing a bid.

All associated fees related to importation are the buyer’s responsibility. Do your homework first to figure out what they will be in your area. All customs issues are the buyer’s responsibility.

China buyers please note: China has stricter rules and regulations for incoming packages. Many items are strictly prohibited from import to China including “artwork”, “antiques”, and many other categories. Please note that many of these categories are also forbidden for export from Taiwan, Additionally, we’ve been advised the declared written value of the package cannot exceed US$125. Therefore, shipping to China will be with the above understanding and 100% at your risk and responsibility should you decide to proceed. If this doesn't appeal to you, please do not bid on this lot.

Please note: even with super careful packing efforts, the risk of damage or breakage cannot be reduced to zero. Shipping is at your risk and responsibility.

Once the package has been lodged with the postal authorities, control and responsibility over said package rests with them. A tracking number will be provided with the package which can be checked via the Taiwan computer database in English and/or Chinese and your own country database. Please follow up and track accordingly. Any return charges or fees incurred for refusing the package, or not paying required import fees/tax wherein the package is returned to seller, are the buyer's responsibility. Please contact me if something is not clear or you need help with the package. We can work anything out together.