Chinese export famille rose porcelain tobacco pipe, c. 1770-1780
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1770-80
The pipe features delicate famille rose polychrome decoration, showcasing floral sprays and intricate geometric banding. Measuring four inches in length, the pipe is preserved in its original bespoke fitted leather case with a blue velvet-lined interior, suggesting it was considered a highly valued personal object.This specimen provides a direct link to the international consumption of tobacco during the era of the China trade, standing as an unusual survivor of the period's luxury export goods.
The careful construction and high-quality ornamentation reflect the sophisticated craftsmanship typical of export wares designed for Western collectors and enthusiasts.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Length
- 4 in
- Material
- porcelain and leather case
Design
- Decoration
- polychrome famille rose floral sprays and geometric bands
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.