Hello, collectors! Today we're looking at a stunning piece of Chinese porcelain: a Doucai 'Chrysanthemum' Dish. This elegant shallow dish features a vibrant central medallion of stylized chrysanthemums, surrounded by scrolling leafy vines, all executed in the classic doucai palette. Doucai, meaning 'contrasting colors' or 'fitted colors,' is a technique where the design is outlined in underglaze blue and then filled with overglaze enamels.
Based on the style, the quality of the potting, and the six-character seal mark on the base, this dish dates to the Qianlong Period of the Qing Dynasty, roughly 1736 to 1795. The precision of the blue outlines and the delicate washes of green, yellow, and iron-red enamels are hallmarks of imperial kiln production during this era.
What makes this piece particularly exciting is the provenance visible on the underside. We see labels indicating it was part of the legendary collection of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, sold at Christie's in March 2015. Ellsworth was a titan in the field of Asian art, and his provenance adds a significant layer of prestige and confidence to the piece.
The dish appears to be in excellent condition, with no obvious flaws visible in the photographs. The combination of fine imperial-quality craftsmanship, a desirable reign mark, and stellar provenance makes this a highly sought-after object. I would estimate its auction value to be in the range of $20,000 to $30,000. A truly beautiful example of Qing dynasty porcelain artistry!
Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.
Item Report
Chinese Doucai 'Chrysanthemum' Dish
清乾隆 斗彩缠枝菊花纹盘
By:Unknown (Imperial Kilns, Jingdezhen)
Style:Chinese Porcelain
Origin:China
Materials:Porcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze enamels (Doucai)
Age:Qianlong Period (1736-1795)
Condition:Excellent (appears to be in very good condition based on photos, no obvious chips or cracks visible)
Maker's Marks / Writing:Six-character underglaze blue Qianlong seal mark: 'Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi' (Made in the Great Qing Qianlong Period). Labels: 'March 2015, The Collection of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, Christie's' and a Sotheby's lot label.
Date:2026-08-26 00:18:47.082281
Description:
A Chinese porcelain dish decorated in the doucai palette with a central medallion enclosing a stylized chrysanthemum bloom surrounded by four further chrysanthemums borne on scrolling leafy vines, all within double blue line borders. The exterior is similarly decorated with a continuous floral scroll. The base bears a six-character Qianlong seal mark in underglaze blue and two auction house labels.
一件中国瓷盘，采用斗彩工艺装饰，中心开光内绘一朵程式化的菊花，周围环绕着四朵生于卷曲枝叶上的菊花，均在双蓝线边框内。外壁同样饰有连续的花卉卷草纹。底部有青花“大清乾隆年制”六字篆书款及两张拍卖行标签。
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
The dish exhibits the fine potting, precise underglaze blue outlines, and delicate enamel washes characteristic of high-quality doucai wares from the Qianlong period. The presence of labels from the Robert Hatfield Ellsworth collection at Christie's adds significant provenance, supporting its authenticity and value.
该盘展现了乾隆时期高品质斗彩瓷器特有的精细胎体、精准的青花轮廓和细腻的珐琅彩渲染。佳士得罗伯特·哈特菲尔德·埃尔斯沃思（安思远）旧藏的标签为其提供了重要的来源证明，支持了其真实性和价值。
Individual Images:
side view of dish
underside showing mark and labels
detail of mark and labels
detail of interior rim
detail of central medallion
overhead view of interior
detail of exterior decoration
detail of interior left side
detail of interior lower half
Provenance:
The Collection of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, sold at Christie's, March 2015 (as indicated by the label).
Condition:
Excellent (appears to be in very good condition based on photos, no obvious chips or cracks visible)
Identification Score: 95%
The form, decoration (doucai chrysanthemum scroll), and reign mark clearly identify it as a Qianlong period doucai dish.
其器形、装饰（斗彩缠枝菊花纹）和年款清楚地表明这是一件乾隆时期的斗彩盘。
Authenticity Score: 90%
The quality of the enamels, the potting, the style of the mark, and the strong provenance (Ellsworth collection labels) strongly suggest it is an authentic period piece. However, without in-hand inspection, a 100% score is withheld.
珐琅彩的质量、胎体、款识风格以及强有力的来源（安思远旧藏标签）强烈表明这是一件真正的时期作品。然而，在没有实物检查的情况下，保留100%的评分。
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