Pair of Petite Famille Rose Rooster Jars

During the 18th century, Europeans provided an eager market for Chinese export porcelain, especially the colorful and fanciful ware known as “famille rose.” Named for a palette of opaque overglaze enamels that favored roses and pinks, famille rose porcelain ware was crafted with the same technical virtuosity as imperial porcelain but designed for Western tastes.

Dated to the early 20th century, these petite porcelain jars are exquisite examples of intricate famille rose decoration. Finely painted with minute details, each jar is decorated with a scene of roosters in a garden of peonies, a common decorative motif symbolizing the pleasures of a simple country life. Careful brushwork brings the scene to life, from the pink ombre of the peony blossoms to the gentle sway of the grass below. The lid is topped by a beetle-like knob in the form of two ripe peaches, symbols of longevity. With its vibrant play of colors and delicate decoration, this pair of jars is a lovely way to brighten any interior.