Vessel - Porcelain - 1850-1900 - milkmaid

Elegant Cantonese porcelain milk jug, Rose Medallion family — Qing Dynasty, 19th century

Charming Chinese export porcelain milk jug, richly decorated with polychrome enamels and gold, in the prized Cantonese taste known as «Rose Medallion». Attributable to the second half of the 19th century, during the Qing Dynasty.
Its elegant silhouette combines a stout, faceted body with a polygonal base, wavy rim, protruding pouring spout and a raised handle of cutout design. The discreet reliefs near the mouth enrich the form and give movement to the surface.
The decoration stands out for its variety and meticulous attention to detail. A wide figurative panel depicts characters in traditional costumes in a pavilion-like setting, among bamboo, red pillars, architectural elements and a turquoise blue balustrade. The robes in pink, green and blue create a lively and harmonious composition.
Another panel gathers birds with multicolored plumage, including a long-tailed red bird, among large pink flowers, foliage, stylized fruits and butterflies.
Under the beak, a circular medallion with a bird among flowers is highlighted by a broad gold surround.
The reserves are framed by delicate black outlines, sinuous borders and exuberant ornamentation of flowers, butterflies and green plant scrolls on a gold background. The edge features a gold finish, also present in small accents on the handle.

A striking decorative piece, which unites in a single composition the charm of figurative scenes and the richness of natural motifs of Chinese export porcelain.
Characteristics
• Origin: China, Cantonese decoration.
• Period: Second half of the 19th century, approximately 1860–1900.
• Dynasty: Qing.
• Material: Glazed white porcelain, polychrome enamels and gold.
• Decoration: Rose Medallion family.
• Base with no visible mark.

Condition
In very good overall condition for its age. No cracks, fissures or restorations. Shows signs of wear and aging, namely wear to the gold and to the decoration at some points, marks on the base support and deposits on the interior.

Please carefully review all photographs included with the description, as they are part of the description and allow you to appreciate these details.
Dimensions
• Height: 14 cm.
• Body width: 9.5 cm.
• Maximum length, from the handle to the pouring spout: 15.5 cm.

From a private collection.