Hello John and all

I have this interesting little Chinese porcelain lidded pot, it looks to be late 19th early 20th century in date .

Canton rose is the pattern i think , the interesting thing to me is that it seems to be a match pot , because under the lid is the cut out horizontal lines used to strike your match against, then you would throw your match in the tray underneath to extinguish .

i have never seen a Chinese match pot before that's why i think it is interesting, the quality is also good with it all being hand painted and well gilded.

i may be wrong and it could be something else but i think i am right

what do you think John?

Famille Rose, The Chinese call it Fencai

'soft colours'

also called Cantonese by the English

sorry to say your item is a reproduction made after 1980

The dark Green in your photograph is the key, too dark.

also the gold has that shadow as though it is rubbed to give the impression of age.

As it is a strike box......... I would have thought the lines are for extra support.

depending on the size of the lid.

as the item should be 18th century, when was matches invented.

In the sixth century , during the Chen dynasty.

So by the 18th century the strikes would have been more sophisticated.

Look closely to the painting, the mid 18th century you will find the brush used was so fine that you see many brush strokes, even a one hair brush was used.

In the Reproductions, it looks like the green was put on with a sponge,

Remember SOFT COLOURS

I also find if the gold has been applied with a thick brush, this can also indicate reproduction.