Famille rose
Famille rose is soft enamel painting on porcelain, known in Chinese as fencai.
Fencai by name, color and fire
The name is French
French collectors named it in the 19th century. In Chinese it is fencai, 'powder color,' for the chalky softness of the enamel.
The color is shaded
Painters lay down glassy white and blend color through it. One petal fades from deep rose to nearly white.
It goes through the fire twice
The glazed piece is fired, painted, then fired again at lower heat. The enamel sits slightly raised and can wear.
One petal, from deep rose to almost white.
What to look for
Traditional overglaze enamels can contain lead, so treat antiques and decorative pieces as display only. For tea or food, choose new pieces the maker states are food safe.
Famille rose
Hand-picked pieces are on the way.
Good to know
What is famille rose porcelain?
Famille rose is Chinese porcelain painted with opaque pink-based enamels over the glaze. It grew in the Qing court era and peaked under Yongzheng and Qianlong.
What is the difference between famille rose and famille verte?
Famille verte came first, under Kangxi, with flat transparent greens. Famille rose added opaque white and pink, which allowed soft shading.
Is Rose Medallion the same as famille rose?
It is one branch. Rose Medallion is a pattern in the famille rose palette, painted in Canton for Western buyers.
