19th century, baluster-form vases with scalloped ruff around the neck, decorated with celadon, floral, and figural bands, some with blue under-glaze and gilt embellishments, ht. 15 5/8 in.

Rare Pair of Chinese Export Porcelain Vases

Provenance: descended in the family of Nathaniel Kinsman of Salem, Massachusetts, a sea captain engaged in the China Trade. He commanded the Australia, teh Fanny, and the Trent, all of Salem. His Chinese export business was so substantial that he built an elaborate residence at Macao with was painted by Lam Qua, probably the best mid -19th century Chinese painter working for the western community. Lam Qua also painted a portrait of Nathaniel Kinsman’s daughter, as recorded in his papers at the Peabody-Essex Institute, according to the The Decorative Arts of The China Trade, by Carl Crossman, 1991, p. 89.

Skinner “American Furniture & Decorative Arts. February 23, 2003 (Sale 2144)