Famille rose is a type of Chinese porcelain introduced in the 18th century and defined by pink overglaze enamel. It is a Western classification for Qing dynasty porcelain known in Chinese by various terms: fencai, ruancai, yangcai, and falangcai. The colour palette is thought to have been brought to China during the reign of Kangxi (1654–1722) by Western Jesuits who worked at the palace, but perfected only in the Yongzheng era when the finest pieces were made, and famille rose ware reached the peak of its technical excellence during the Qianlong period.
Famille rose bowl, Imperial porcelain, Jingdezhen
Moon flask (right) in famille rose, Jingdezhen porcelain, Yongzheng reign, the Percival David Collection at the British Museum
A selection of falangcai porcelains
Some designs became more complex in the Qianlong period. A vase with engraved pattern and openwork medallions, painted with famille rose enamels.
The Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art holds a collection of Chinese ceramics and related items assembled by Percival David that are on permanent display in a dedicated gallery in Room 95 at the British Museum. The Foundation's main purpose is to promote the study and teaching of Chinese art and culture. The collection consists of some 1,700 pieces, mostly of Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasty porcelain from the 10th century to the 18th. It includes a painting, Scroll of Antiquities.
Two flasks with dragons, 1403–24
The former home of the Percival David Foundation in Gordon Square