Chinese Canton porcelain, 18th / 19th century

Chinese Canton porcelain, also known as Cantonware or Mandarin ware, is a type of Chinese export porcelain that was produced in the Guangzhou (Canton) region of China during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was primarily exported to the West, particularly to Europe and North America, and was highly prized for its intricate designs and high quality. The porcelain was made using a hard-paste porcelain recipe and was decorated using a variety of techniques, including hand-painting, transfer printing, and gilding. The designs often featured scenes from Chinese literature and history, as well as images of plants and animals. Canton porcelain was particularly popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries and played a significant role in the development of the porcelain industry in China.