Canton porcelain is Chinese export porcelain decorated in the workshops of Canton, now Guangzhou, the southern Chinese port through which most European trade passed from the eighteenth century until the mid nineteenth century. The porcelain itself was typically made at Jingdezhen and transported to Canton, where it was enamelled to suit Western taste.
The term is used for two main types. The first is the richly decorated famille rose ware of the nineteenth century, often called Canton or Rose Medallion, with panels of figures, birds, butterflies and flowers on a crowded ground of gilding and green scrolling foliage. The second, especially in American usage, describes blue and white export ware painted with river landscapes, pagodas and bridges, which was shipped in large quantities as dinner services. Canton workshops also produced armorial services and pieces made to order with European designs. Typical forms include vases, punch bowls, dinner and tea services, garden seats and large display jars. Collectors value fine painting, good gilding, impressive size and condition, and they check for restoration, which is common on large vases. Pairs of Canton vases have long been a feature of English country-house drawing rooms and halls, adding colour and exotic charm.
