Chinese Carved Soapstone Figure of Shoulao, Daoist Immortal of Longevity
c. 17th/ early 18th century
Height: 16 ¼ inches (41 cm)
Finely carved in the full round and of impressive size. The Immortal is posed standing and holding a peach branch. He is dressed in a long robe with finely incised designs. Mounted upon a matching soapstone base with seated deer at his foot. (Peaches and deer are also symbols of longevity). Figures of this size and quality are rare. Soapstone figures of this period were popular for aristocrat’s Kunstkammers that showed marvels from around the world. The exoticness of the figure and fineness of carving would have created an appreciative and marveling reception in Europe.
Chinese Export Porcelain American Market Sailor’s Farewell Teapot
CA. Late 18th century
H: 5 ⅜ inches (14.5 cm)
Decorated with a sailor and his love embraced in anticipation of his departure on a voyage. They are situated on a hill next to harbor with his ship visible and notably flying the American flag. This is a rare early depiction of a scene more often found with British ship.
Rare and Important Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Figures
Kangxi Period, early 18th century
Traditionally identified as the French noble figures of the Dauphin (son of Louis IV) and Mme. de Maintenon. The figures are likely based upon French aristocrats depicted in the engravings of the famed Bonnart brothers that were brought to China and otherwise copied onto porcelain plates and vases usually in blue and white. The exceptional quality and colors of these types of figures make them particularly prized. They are also to our knowledge the earliest figural depictions of Westerners in Chinese porcelain made at Jingdezhen.
Height of the Man: 8 ¾ in (22.2 cm)
Height of the Woman: 9 in (23 cm)
Similar examples: the Copeland Collection now at the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem; the Victoria & Albert Museum, London; and the historic collection of Augustus the Strong now the Zwinger Museum, Dresden; the Musee National Adrien Duboche, Limoges; and the Espirito Santo Collection (now in a
Finely carved from a single piece of clear and slightly smokey quartz crystal. Posed standing and holding a branch of peaches over his shoulder. With fine detailing to his features and decoration to his robe.
Height: 8 1/8 inches (20.6 cm)
Mounted on a carved wood base
Ex: European Collection (acquired in the Far East in the early 1900’s)
This is a rare subject to find in rock crystal. A rather similar example is in the Taft Museum, Cincinnati- that was acquired from Duveen Bros. in the early 1900’s.
Of characteristic dark gray color and of extraordinary form. The stone is of tall size with remarkable over-hangings.
The surface is highly contoured with numerous openings. The shape while abstract suggests a dragon in clouds. The stone, of mostly uniform medium/dark gray tone and with a soft polish.
Superb Ormolu Mounted Chinese Flambe Porcelain Vase
Qianlong period, ca: second half 18th century
Height: 23 inches (59 cm.) vase and mounts
The Vase with the most beautiful variegated blue glaze with wonderful overall crackle. This type of porcelain was imitating early Jun ware from the Song dynasty- and took it to another level.
The mounts are equally stunning, and with almost identical to examples in the British Royal Collection that are described in wonderful detail by John Ayers, Vol. II, Nos. 1289 and 1290. Ayers attributes the mounts to either the British firm of Edward Holmes Baldock or French form of Philippe-Claude Maelrondt, ca: early 19th century. The British examples are in Brighton from the George IV reign.
Ex: Continental European Collection where it was in a collection since around the mid-1900s.
Fine and Rare Chinese Famille Vert Porcelain Piggyback Boys
Kangxi period, AD 1662-1722
Finely modelled in the full round. Decorated in elaborately painted robes in vibrant tones.
Their faces, with well-defined features and pleasing smiling expression.
Height: 9 ¼ in. (23.5 cm)
Meticulously modeled with branches and leaves; with removable seated Sage at one side; and a Child with large bird and deer on the other. The rock revealing a hidden animal form of a lion. A remarkable work, masterfully crafted.
Height: 22 inches (55.8 cm)
Ex: Private American Collection
Ex: Collection: J.T. Dorrance
Kangxi period, AD 1662-1722
Diameter: 15 ¼ in. (39 cm)
Of broad saucer shape. Beautifully decorated with a large central reserve with two peacocks and flowers, set against a varying reserve ground and with wide borders of prunus in rouge de fer and white. The decoration is symbolic to convey: “May you gain Culture, Wealth, and Honor.” Of particularly fine quality.
Almost identical examples: Rijksmuseum (Drucker-Fraser Collection), Gow, and Conde Collections.
Celebrate the Holiday with Our Winter Holiday Booklet
The Season is here! Midtown in filled with people, the shops are all decked out in holiday displays and beautiful themed arrangements. For many, it is the nicest time of year in New York City. Our gallery is open full-time, and we would be delighted to welcome you and show you through. We have also just published our seasonal Winter Holiday Booklet filled with a group of beautiful porcelains and works of art of a variety of types and forms.
Whether looking for notable gifts for a collector or oneself, there is a fine variety of objects on our site, in the catalog, and in our gallery to enjoy both at this season and year-round! We would be happy to hear from you and answer any inquiries.
With best wishes for Health, Happiness, and Prosperity at this Holiday Season and in the Year ahead!
We invite you to browse through our deeply researched collection of catalogues, showcasing a stunning array of fine antique Chinese porcelain and works of art. If you have any questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email.
The Ralph M. Chait Galleries, established in 1910, holds the distinction of being the oldest specialist gallery in the United States focusing on fine antique Chinese porcelain and works of art. Founded by Ralph M. Chait, a self-taught connoisseur with an impeccable eye for quality, the gallery quickly gained prominence. Chait’s expertise and taste attracted notable collectors of his time, including John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and President Herbert Hoover, as well as an array of influential political figures, scholars, and artists. Today, the gallery continues to serve a distinguished global clientele, maintaining its legacy of excellence.
The gallery’s storied history is reflected in its enduring traditions and the prominent individuals who have frequented it. A central table, present since the early days, has served as a gathering point for collectors from varied backgrounds to examine and discuss pieces. Over the decades, the gallery has sold significant works to many major museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. Additionally, it has collaborated with renowned architects and designers like Frank Lloyd Wright and Sister Parish, cementing its role as a trusted authority in the field of antique Chinese art.
A third-generation family business, now led by Steven and Andrew Chait, the gallery has not only survived but thrived through diverse historical and economic challenges. Its involvement in prestigious antique fairs and organizations, such as the National Antiques and Art Dealers Association of America, underscores its commitment to the art community. With over a century of history, the Ralph M. Chait Galleries continues to honor its rich heritage while looking forward to a promising future in the world of fine Chinese antiques.
