Late 19th Century Antique Chinese Lidded Jar

19th century Chinese export lidded porcelain jar decorated with flowers and butterflies in pink, blue, green, and yellow enamels on white ground. Iron red four-character Tongzhi seal mark on base, c. 1862 – 1874.

Provenance: From the collection of Commander Hobart A. Saylor, JAG to the United States Navy Asiatic Fleet (1897 – 1953). Commander Saylor was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy as well as George Washington University Law School and served in both WWI and WWII. While appointed to the US Navy Asiatic Fleet, he was stationed in China from 1923 until 1942. During the 19 years he and his family lived on mainland China, Commander Saylor and his wife, Mozelle Johnson, developed a deep appreciation for Chinese art and acquired many pieces.