Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A delicate porcelain saucer dish hand-painted in the vibrant Famille Rose palette, featuring a whimsical design of butterflies fluttering amidst bamboo stalks and a central floral sprig. The underside bears an iron-red seal mark, and the rim is finished with a classic gilt edge.
Story
During the late 19th century, Chinese artisans revitalized traditional imperial motifs for a global market hungry for Eastern elegance. The butterfly on this dish represents joy and longevity, while the bamboo symbolizes resilience. Together, they formed a silent, painted blessing of enduring happiness for whoever held it.
Maker / Origin
While produced in Jingdezhen—the porcelain capital of the world—this piece was decorated by skilled workshop artisans specializing in overglaze enamel painting. The iron-red seal mark on the base, reading 'Tongzhi Nian Zhi' (Made in the Tongzhi Reign), is a retrospective mark very common in the late Qing and Republic periods to honor the artistic heights of earlier reigns.
Condition & Value
The saucer has a significant, rough loss/chip on the right-hand rim that has been partially stabilized or left raw, along with a visible hairline crack running through the upper-left butterfly motif. There is also minor wear to the gilt rim and some firing spots (kiln grit) on the porcelain body.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.