Famille Verte Charger Appraisal

Chinese Turquoise-Ground Famille Verte Scalloped Charger

This is a large, ornate Chinese porcelain charger featuring a deep turquoise enamel ground, characteristic of late Qing Dynasty or early 20th-century Republic period export ware. The piece is notable for its lobed, scalloped rim and a molded 'fluted' or 'chrysanthemum' body that creates a sense of movement across the surface. The central medallion depicts a mythical scene, likely featuring a phoenix and other songbirds among flowering peonies and rocky outcrops, rendered in the 'Famille Verte' palette (dominated by greens, yellows, and iron-reds). The cavetto is divided into radiating sections, each containing individual floral sprays like lotus and plum blossoms. The exterior rim repeats a floral scroll motif. In terms of craftsmanship, the enamels appear thickly applied with visible texture. While the overall structure remains intact, there is visible surface wear to the enamel, particularly on the raised ribs of the fluting, and possible minor fritting or small chips along the delicate scalloped edge. The rich turquoise hue suggests a specialized kiln firing, and the scale indicates it was intended as a significant decorative display piece rather than for utilitarian use.