Canton Plate With Polychrome Decoration, China – Canton. Period: Late 19th Century

Canton Plate with Polychrome Decoration, China – Canton, Late 19th Century. This beautiful and decorative Chinese plate, known as a Canton plate, is made of celadon-ground porcelain and richly decorated with polychrome enamel and gilt highlights, characteristic of Chinese export production from the late 19th century. The surface is entirely covered with a profusion of floral and vegetal motifs, enlivened by finely drawn butterflies, birds, and insects, traditional symbols of happiness, prosperity, and renewal in Chinese iconography. The whole stands out harmoniously against a soft celadon background, highly prized for its freshness and elegance. The rim is highlighted with a gilt border, adding brilliance and refinement to the composition. The richness of the color palette, the fineness of the lines, and the decorative abundance are typical of Canton porcelain intended for export to Europe in the late 19th century. This plate perfectly illustrates the craftsmanship of Cantonese workshops, blending traditional Chinese decoration with adaptation to Western tastes, making it a highly prized piece among collectors and enthusiasts of Far Eastern art. Condition: In excellent condition for porcelain of this period, with slight wear consistent with age and minor rubbing to the gilding, but no major cracks or chips. Decorative and collectible piece: An elegant and decorative plate, ideal for a collection of Chinese porcelain, a wall display, or a showcase, demonstrating the charm and refinement of late 19th-century Cantonese production.