Treasures of Chinese Porcelain

BBC4 8pm

Lars Tharp explores the enduring popularity of Chinese porcelain in European auction houses, and investigates why demand for such items rose dramatically in the 18th century. He visits Mount Gaolin, where many of the most popular pieces were made, to discover how items are manufactured, before heading to the city of Jingdezhen, the centre of the country's porcelain trade. Lars also examines the ways in which demand for certain designs influenced aesthetic tastes in both Europe and China.

Antique George Jones Majolica

George Jones set up his own factory in 1861 and was soon manufacturing good quality majolica in direct competition with Minton, his former employers. His wares often have distinctive simulated 'tortoiseshell' glazes (green and brown marbling) on the reverse, and the factory mark was usually an impressed or printed "GJ" monogram and items with a crescent bearing '& Sons' date from 1873.  Often the undersides of pieces have a glaze-free area containing a pattern number and these can often help in identifying items missing the factory mark. For more details visit Premier Antiques

George Jones majolica dish c1870

George Jones majolica dish - reverse

George Jones majolica pattern number

Early Davenport Blue and White - Chinoiserie Ruins

A fine Chinese inspired landscape pattern with ruins and tropical trees which are repeated unusually as a border motif. Introduced by John Davenport around 1800, printed in medium blue with a lovely rippled glaze. For more details see Premier Antiques

Davenport 'Chinoiserie Ruins' c1810

Impressed Davenport mark c1810

Shorter and Son - Three Little Pigs

A rare Shorter nursery ware jug depicting the tale of the three pigs and the big bad wolf. Beautifully hand painted and full of humour. For more details see Premier Antiques

Shorter 'Three Little Pigs' jug c1930

Shorter 'Big bad wolf' detail

Royal Doulton Dickens Ware 'A' Series

A rare and early Royal Doulton trio depicting the arch villain Bill Sykes from 'Oliver Twist'. For more details see Premier Antiques

Royal Doulton 'Bill Sykes' trio c1910

Royal Doulton Dickensware marks c1910

Carlton Ware Handcraft

Carlton Ware introduced the handcraft range in 1928 and it continued into the 30s. These matt glazed hand painted designs often feature stylised flowers or abstract designs in pink, purple, blue, yellow and brown. Much sought after, items don't appear that often as it wasn't produced in such large amounts as other ranges. For more details visit Premier Antiques

Carlton Ware Handcraft 'Primula' jug c1930

Carlton Ware Handcraft 'Floribunda' preserve pot c1928

Shelley 'Melody' Chintz

Melody with the yellow trim doesn't appear as much as the green and blue trims. I love it all and it mixes so well when displayed together. For more Melody visit Premier Antiques

Shelley 'Melody' dish c1935

Shelley 'Melody' mark c1935

Shelley 'Melody' preserve pot c1935

Majolica Egg Cup Stand

Egg cup stands or holders were popular in the 19th century, though not many have survived intact or complete. Here we have a rare survivor in majolica in the form of a rustic log. A stunning and scarce example. For more details visit Premier Antiques

Majolica egg cup stand c1880

Grimwades - Bairnsfather Wares

"GIVE IT A GOOD 'ARD' UN BERT. YOU CAN GENERALLY 'EAR EM FIZZING A BIT FIRST IF THEY ARE AGOIN TO EXPLODE". A rare and unusual WW1 plaque. For more details visit Premier Antiques

Grimwades wall plaque by Bruce Bairnsfather c1917

Maling Embossed Tulips

A stunning and scarce pattern produced as a wall plaques in the 1930s. Vibrant colours in a swirling design of tulips and other spring flowers on a rich blue background. For more details see Premier Antiques

Maling embossed Tulips c1935

Crown Ducal Viola Chintz

A vibrant early chintz which is seldom seen; quite a rarity and one of the prettiest. For more details see Premier Antiques

Crown Ducal 'Viola' chintz dish c1930

Sarreguemines Majolica Character Jug

This lovely novelty piece was made in France in the late 1800's. About five inches in height. Marked Sarreguemines and the number 3181 on the bottom. In excellent condition with a small amount of crazing which is normal for an old fellow like this. For more details visit Premier Antiques

Sarreguemines jug c1890