Chinese Export Porcelain

The delicate lidded vase was crafted during the Qianlong period (1736-1795) in the Chinese city of Jingdezhen. Produced around 1750, it served as a tea container. As export porcelain, the vase was made in China specifically for the European market and was acquired by the von Luxburg family.

The painting on the vase is referred to as grisaille, characterised by its typical colours of grey, white, and black. It features Chinese landscapes alongside a European couple with their servants. The design was inspired by the European engraving "Les Pélerins de l'Isle de Cythère" (Pilgrims of Cythera) by Bernard Picart (1673-1733).

The decoration of export porcelain was tailored to European tastes and could feature both Chinese and European motifs. In the 18th century, porcelain was also produced to order for Europe in the Chinese city of Jingdezhen. This type of export porcelain was known as Chinese commissioned porcelain.

In addition to grisaille painting inspired by European engravings, pieces featuring the coats of arms of aristocratic families or Christian motifs were also commissioned. This category of export porcelain became well-known under the term "Chine de Commande".