Marchant

Marchant Leading authorities in Chinese Porcelain & Works of Art since 1925. The company was founded in 1925 by Samuel Sydney Marchant (1897-1975).

Initially situated on Cursitor Street near Chancery Lane in the city of London, it held a large stock of Oriental art, but also dealt in arms and armour, paintings and continental porcelain. In 1952 it moved to its present address at 120 Kensington Church Street, London W8 4BH. The trading name was Marchant from 1925-1936 when it was renamed S. Marchant & Son with the birth of Richard Marchant. This name was retained until 2009 when the partnership reverted to its original name of Marchant. Richard Marchant joined his father in 1953 and it is from that time the partnership specialised only in Oriental art. He was elected treasurer of the British Antique Dealers Association from June 2003-2005. He then became Chairman for four years until 2009. He was the Chairman of the Oriental Vetting Committee at the Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair for ten years until 2009 when the fair closed. Marchants exhibited at the fair from 1975-2009 and also for eleven years at the international Asian Art fair in New York. Stuart Marchant, the third generation, joined the company in 1985, after five years apprenticeship. He is now the main buyer. The specialties are Imperial Chinese Ming and Qing porcelains, jades, cloisonné, pottery and works of art. Emphasis is placed on rarity, quality and provenance. Exhibitions at their gallery have been held since 1980 accompanied by scholarly catalogues. Most entirely illustrated in colour with introductions by John Ayers, former curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Marchants pride themselves on fine pieces that have passed through their hands, many now in major museums and collections worldwide. Services that can be undertaken are valuations; advice and commission bidding at auctions around the world; buying and selling private collections. Simon Abraham-Gregory joined the company in March 1988 and is a loyal factotum. In 2011 Natalie Marchant joined the firm as the fourth generation and specialises in the photography of the catalogues, website managing and advertising, as well as accompanying Richard and Stuart viewing auctions. In 2014 a second Gallery at 101 Kensington Church Street, specialised in Chinese Export Porcelain, was opened.

May the glow of the moon light your way to happiness and reunion. 🌕✨ Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to all from Marchant!In t...
25/09/2026

May the glow of the moon light your way to happiness and reunion. 🌕✨ Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to all from Marchant!

In the spirit of sharing and harmony, we present a rare 17th-century Chinese blue and white ‘Kosometsuke’ confectionery basket, its graceful handle arching over an offering of mooncakes.

Made specifically for the Japanese tea ceremony market, it was designed for serving sweet treats just like these.

Each mooncake bears the traditional design of the rabbit and the full moon, a symbol of hope and longevity. 🥮🐇

We hope your festival is bright and filled with joy and wish you Zhōngqiū Jié!



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愿月光为您照亮通往幸福与团圆的道路。🌕✨ Marchant Asian Art 祝大家中秋节快乐!

秉持着分享与和谐的精神,我们呈献这一款珍稀的十七世纪中国青花“古染付”果篮,其优雅的提手如虹般跨越在一盘月饼之上。每一块月饼上都印有传统的玉兔与满月图案,象征着希望与长寿。🥮🐇

祝愿您的节日光明璀璨,充满欢乐。

Chinese porcelain blue and white cake basket with upright flat sides and strap handle, painted on the interior with four horses amongst grass, the exterior painted with branches of fruiting pomegranates, the upright handle with a flowerhead and scrolling branch.

7 1⁄4 inches, 18.5 cm across.

Tianqi, 1621-1627.

Edo Period Japanese wood box.

*Sold by Ikemasa & Co., Tokyo, 8th February 2014.
Included by Christie’s New York in their auction of Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 22nd March 2019, lot 1639.
*Included by Marchant in their exhibition of Kosometsuke & Shonzui, 2024, no. 14, pp. 48/49.

inventory no. M3503 - see website for more photos, further information and price.

We couldn’t resist…in situ 🥮🍵 (AI generated - as are the moon cakes, though they do look tasty!)

22/09/2026
18/09/2026

To commission an object for eternity was to demand the most elaborate iconography of the day.

While imperial Song taste leaned toward quiet minimalism, large-scale funerary commissions allowed regional ceramicists to display incredible sculptural ambition, embracing popular, expressive, and narrative folk artistry - utilizing dynamic appliqués, local folklore, and taoist/celestial iconography to create grand, theatrical statements for regional elites.

Standing at a monumental 95.5 cm, this rare pair of 13th-century qingbai (yingqing) storage vases exemplifies the dramatic, expressive power of Southern Song ritual ceramics.

Every element of their complex cosmological world was individually hand-molded and applied prior to firing. A procession of twelve standing figures and a kneeling devotee encircling the body; a high-relief dragon writhing amidst cloud sprays toward a celestial pearl, surrounded by deer, horses, qilin, and cranes; finely modeled cranes, symbolizing longevity and the soul’s ascension.

Draped in a luminous pale blue glaze that pools in the deeply carved appliqués, these grand-scale vases remain extraordinary examples of Song ceramic sculpture and ritual art.

Southern Song dynasty (circa 1220).
95.5 cm (largest with cover).
* Collection of Baroness Rawlings, Adlington Hall, Cheshire & Eton Square, London.
Marchant inventory no. M5798
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16/09/2026

Dating to late Ming dynasty (c. 1640), this exceptional Blanc de Chine incense burner takes its form from an ancient bronze gui.

Made in Dehua, Fujian province, it features mythical animal-head handles, delicate taotie masks, and a cloud-and-flower band beneath a rich, creamy glaze.

Its distinguished provenance includes the esteemed collection of diplomat Dr Wou Kiuan (1910–1997) and inclusion in Marchant’s 2024 exhibition, with close published parallels in the Palace Museum, Beijing and Chicago’s Field Museum.

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从古代青铜器到凝脂白瓷:这件约1640年的明代德化白釉(Blanc de Chine)簋式香炉,巧妙借鉴了上古青铜簋的造型。通体施以温润如脂的奶白釉,兽耳生动,饰有饕餮纹与云纹,将金石之气融入瓷艺之中。

本品出自著名外交官伍权博士(Dr Wou Kiuan,1910–1997)旧藏,并曾展出于Marchant 2024年德化白瓷特展。故宫博物院及芝加哥菲尔德自然历史博物馆均藏有类似作品。

11/09/2026

From a 17th-century kiln to modern AI movement: this large Shunzhi/early Kangxi dish (c.1655-1665) features a qilin beneath the moon amidst plantain, swirling flames and rockwork.

Painted with incredibly luminous underglaze blue pigment intensity and finished with a classic brown-dressed rim, it represents the absolute peak of mid-17th-century porcelain painting.

Measuring an impressive 34.6 cm, it also boasts a rich provenance, passing through Spink & Son, Ralph M. Chait Galleries, and the famed Jie Rui Tang Collection - with similar examples in the Palace Museum and Ashmolean. It even has a collectors mark incised da zhai (Grand Hall) to the base.

What detail draws you in first - the vivid qilin or the deep blue tones?

从17世纪的窑火到现代AI的灵动:这件顺治/康熙早期(约1655–1665年)的青花大盘,描绘了月下芭蕉、火焰与山石之中的麒麟形象。作品采用发色极其明艳的青花料绘制,配以经典的酱釉口沿,代表了17世纪中期瓷器绘画的巅峰之作。

本品口径达34.6厘米,体量宏大,更兼具显赫流传。曾经Spink & Son、Ralph M. Chait Galleries以及著名的“洁蕊堂”(Jie Rui Tang)等名家收藏,故宫博物院及阿什莫林博物馆亦藏有类似之作。盘底更带有珍贵的藏家刻款。
底足刻“大宅”藏家款。

最吸引您的细节是什么——是生动的麒麟,还是深邃浓艳的青花色调?

09/09/2026

Further to Stuart’s recent video, Samuel has discovered the true - and highly important provenance for the spinach jade buffalo - including Royalty, a famous collector and having been handled by very well-known Japanese dealers! Watch this update for the new information about this wonderful piece in our gallery.

We always do as much research on provenance as possible, but thanks to Samuels eager eye - he noticed a discrepancy with the collection label and investigated it!

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继 Stuart 近期发布的视频之后,Samuel 又有了一项重要发现—这尊碧玉水牛的真实来源,远比此前所知更为重要。

经进一步考证,其递藏经历涉及皇室、著名私人藏家,以及日本数位享有盛誉的中国艺术品古董商。如此重要且流传有序的来源,为这件精美碧玉雕刻增添了更为丰富的历史背景与收藏价值。

敬请观看我们的最新视频,了解这件现藏于我们伦敦画廊的珍贵作品,以及其来源背后的最新发现。

我们一向致力于尽可能深入地考证每一件器物的来源。此次发现,则源于 Samuel 敏锐的鉴藏眼光—他注意到收藏标签上的一处细微出入,并进一步展开调查,由此揭开了这尊碧玉水牛一段此前未被充分认识的重要收藏史。

07/09/2026

This fantastic “Romance of the Western Chamber” vase is currently gracing our window display at 120 Kensington Church Street and looking very striking indeed!

The scene on this piece, which dates from the Kangxi period (1662-1722), depicts Zhang Sheng thanking General Du Que for saving his love Cui Yingying, surrounded by various high-ranking soldiers and officials inside the General’s tent.

More information and photos on our website (stock no. M5505). Link in bio.

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这件精美的青花《西厢记》瓷瓶现正展出于 我们Kensington Church Street 120 号的窗口。
瓶身图案的历史可追溯至康熙时期(1662-1722年),展现了在将军帐篷内、众高阶将士与官员的环绕下,张生表达对杜确将军拯救其心上人崔莺莺谢意的场景。
更多详情及图片请访问我们的网站(库存编号:M5505)。链接见个人主页简介。

04/09/2026

Acquired personally by Richard Marchant in 1966, these exquisite blue and white imperial porcelain bianhu remained in his private collection for decades, with one featured in his historic 1976 lecture to the Oriental Ceramic Society in Hong Kong.

Beyond the deliberate, stippled cobalt brushwork, the design carries a silent imperial blessing, well worthy of a birthday gift to the Qianlong Emperor:

* Bats (fu) & Peaches (shoutao): Fushou shuangquan - wishing for both abundant blessings and longevity.
* Lingzhi Fungus: Fuzhi xinling - symbolizing a heart enriched with wisdom.

These moon-flasks represent a true masterclass in Qing Dynasty craftsmanship and symbolic depth.

Explore the full history of this pair on our website (No. 30 from our Centenary Exhibition) via the link in our bio.

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由 Richard Marchant 于 1966 年亲手收藏,这对精美的御制青花抱月瓶在他的私人珍藏中静静传承了数十年。其中一件更曾亮相于他 1976 年在香港东方陶瓷学会(Hong Kong OCS)举办的历史性讲座中。
除了精妙的点染青花技法,其纹饰更蕴含着深沉的皇家祝愿,极具乾隆皇帝万寿贺礼之意:
蝙蝠(福)与桃子(寿桃):福寿双全 —寓意福气与长寿兼得。
灵芝:福至心灵 —象征福气降临,心智聪慧。
这对方瓶堪称清代精湛工艺与深刻象征意义的集大成之作。
欢迎点击个人主页中的链接,进入我们的官方网站,探索这对抱月瓶(百年纪念特展第 30 号)的完整历史。

27/08/2026

Stuart presents an exceptional spinach jade carving of a recumbent buffalo.

Measuring 19.8cm long, this large and superbly sculpted piece features skilfully ridged horns, folded-back ears, and naturalistically carved nostrils. The spine is brilliantly rendered with a raised nape, subtle folds of neck fat resting on the front left flank, and finely detailed hairwork along the tail. It rests on a fitted wood stand carved as rockwork and grass, both date to the Qianlong period (1736–1795).

In Chinese culture, the buffalo is a beloved symbol of strength, endurance, and tranquil rural life - frequently associated with Daoist philosophy, harmony with nature, and agricultural prosperity. Large jade carvings of this calibre were highly prized by the Imperial court and elite scholars for their grounded elegance and masterly craftsmanship.

Beyond its striking artistic quality, this piece boasts an outstanding provenance. Formerly in the collection of E.R. Butler, it was acquired in New York in 1992 and published in Marchant – One Hundred Years, Volume II: 2001–2005 (no. 1990). A related example resides in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (The Immortal Stone, no. 36).

Visit our website for more information, or message us directly.

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Stuart呈现一件极为出色的乾隆时期(1736-1795)碧玉卧牛雕像。

此件藏品体量宏大,雕工精湛,长19.8厘米。水牛双角纹理细腻,双耳后收,鼻孔雕刻栩栩如生。背脊线条流畅自然,颈脊隆起,颈部褶皱巧妙地搭于左前腿旁,尾部毛发丝丝分明。卧牛置于乾隆时期(1736–1795)所制的配座之上,木座精雕成山石与苔草之姿。

在中国传统文化中,水牛是力量、坚韧与恬静乡村生活的象征,常与道家思想、天人合一及五谷丰登联系在一起。如此体量与品质的玉雕水牛,因其浑厚雅致的气度与鬼斧神工的艺技,深受清代宫廷与文人雅士的青睐。

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20/08/2026

Natalie presents a standout Kangxi period (1662–1722) blue and white beaker vase, gu.

Standing at 44.5cm, this vase features four meticulously painted panels of Buddhist lions amidst dynamic waves, flames, and clouds. The central bulb is framed by raised ribs, key-fret borders, scrolling foliage, and classic ruyi clouds around the rim and foot—complete with a double-ring mark in underglaze blue on the base.

In Chinese art, Buddhist lions (Foo Dogs) are powerful symbols of protection, power, and majesty. When displayed within the home, they take on an added domestic meaning - acting as vigilant guardians to ward off negative energy, safeguard the household, and promote harmony, longevity, and family prosperity.

Beyond its artistic quality, this piece boasts an exceptional provenance. It comes from the private collection of John Oswald Liddell (1858–1918), co-founder of the Shanghai trading firm Liddell Bros. & Co.

Visit our website (inventory no. M5725) for more information and price, or message us directly.

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Natalie 为您呈现一件极为杰出的清康熙时期(1662–1722)青花太狮少狮纹觚。

此觚高44.5厘米,瓶身精绘四大开光,内置瑞兽太狮少狮,穿行于波涛、火焰与祥云之间。中部的鼓腹由凸起的双弦纹、回纹边饰、卷草纹以及口沿与圈足处的经典如意云头纹所环绕,底足青花双圈款。

在中国艺术中,瑞狮是庇佑、权势与威严的象征。置于家中时,它们更赋予了居家吉祥的深意扮演着忠诚守护者的角色,以辟邪祛灾、保佑合家平安,并寓意家宅和睦、福寿绵长与兴旺发达。

除了极高的艺术价值外,此件佳器还拥有卓越的流传有序显赫来源。它出自John Oswald Liddell,(1858–1918)的私人珍藏,他曾是上海知名洋行“利德尔兄弟公司”(Liddell Bros. & Co.)的联合创始人。

欲了解更多详情及价格,请访问我们的网站(编号:M5725),或直接向我们发送私信。

Address

120 Kensington Church Street
London
W84BH

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+442072295319

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