Square Canton-style Enamel Plate, Chinese Export, Qianlong Period, C. 1780

An exceptional square dessert plate made of Chinese export Canton enamel, finely hand-painted during the Qing Dynasty.

The center is decorated in the Famille Rose palette with a scene from a palace garden where Chinese scholars and elegant ladies are examining a vase of flowers. The terrace, architectural elements, and stylized rocks form a refined setting around the figures.

The wide, slightly flared rim is glazed in sky blue and adorned with branches of pink peach blossoms—symbols of longevity—amidst green foliage. The unglazed rim reveals the copper body. The reverse side is covered with a solid light turquoise-blue enamel.

The painted surface features a fine network of horizontal and vertical firing cracks, also known as thermal stress lines. These pale, crisscrossing lines formed when the enamel pigments and the ground layer contracted at different rates during successive firings. They are period characteristics of the historically imperfect firing process and conclusively confirm the piece’s antiquity.

The scalloped square shape, the courtly scene, and the turquoise counter-glaze make this piece particularly appealing to collectors.

Dimensions: 17.4 × 17.4 cm; height: 2.5 cm. Weight: 216 g.

Condition: Very good antique condition. Fine firing cracks / thermal stress lines on the painted surface. Slight age-related wear on the light turquoise-blue counter-glaze on the reverse.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they are an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be carefully packaged and shipped with tracking and insurance.