Rare Chinese Porcelain Lotus Spoons, 19th Century

Four rare Chinese porcelain spoons, early 19th century, profusely painted with lotus and foliate tendrils within a double line border, kiln marks verso. Most often seen in Chinese porcelain tableware are bowls, plates, cups etc, the porcelain spoon is very rare as it is easily broken by users. It is very difficult for these four porcelain spoons to be preserved so well through nearly two centuries, these spoons are decorated with under-glaze blue and painted with same patterned lotus, symbolising dignity and generosity, the beautiful curved shape of the spoons highlights the difference in production methods when compared with modern products. Although these spoons are not marked, they are possibly productions from Imperial kilns. Provenance: by descent. Private Collection Sydney