Chinese Pronk Plate "lady With A Parasol"
Chinese Imari-style plate, based on Cornelis Pronk’s “Ladies with Parasols” motif, commissioned by the Dutch East India Company; 18th century, circa 1736–1738, China, Jingdezhen.
Dimensions: 23.5 cm in diameter.
Cornelis Pronk (1691–1759), a Dutch artist from Amsterdam, is known for his precise drawings of cities, landscapes, and historic monuments. After training as a portrait artist under Arnold Boonen (1669–1729), he distinguished himself through his detailed topographical drawings, many of which were later engraved and published. In addition to painting and drawing, Pronk also designed decorative motifs, particularly for porcelain.
The motif known as “Ladies with Parasols” is considered the first porcelain design created by Cornelis Pronk, in 1734. The drawing arrived in Batavia in 1735 and was then sent to China and Japan in 1736; it is the only motif by Pronk known to have been produced on porcelain in both countries. The scene depicts an elegant lady standing at the water’s edge, gesturing toward three birds perched on the ground in front of her. Slightly in the background, a maid holds an ornate parasol, thus emphasizing the lady’s high status. A duck swims nearby, while reeds and vegetation in the background create a peaceful landscape. The border is adorned with alternating floral motifs and cartouches depicting birds as well as small figures, some of whom are holding parasols. Small insects are often painted on the reverse side of the piece.
Provenance: Dutch collection of J. Leegstra (1937–2025).
Similar plates are found in the following collections:
- Rijksmuseum, inventory no. AK-NM-13677.
- Princessenhof Leeuwarden, no. NO 05560.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, object no. 2002.447.122 (On view at the Met Fifth Avenue, in Gallery 201: March 2026).
Condition: Perfect.
Dimensions: 23.5 cm in diameter.
Cornelis Pronk (1691–1759), a Dutch artist from Amsterdam, is known for his precise drawings of cities, landscapes, and historic monuments. After training as a portrait artist under Arnold Boonen (1669–1729), he distinguished himself through his detailed topographical drawings, many of which were later engraved and published. In addition to painting and drawing, Pronk also designed decorative motifs, particularly for porcelain.
The motif known as “Ladies with Parasols” is considered the first porcelain design created by Cornelis Pronk, in 1734. The drawing arrived in Batavia in 1735 and was then sent to China and Japan in 1736; it is the only motif by Pronk known to have been produced on porcelain in both countries. The scene depicts an elegant lady standing at the water’s edge, gesturing toward three birds perched on the ground in front of her. Slightly in the background, a maid holds an ornate parasol, thus emphasizing the lady’s high status. A duck swims nearby, while reeds and vegetation in the background create a peaceful landscape. The border is adorned with alternating floral motifs and cartouches depicting birds as well as small figures, some of whom are holding parasols. Small insects are often painted on the reverse side of the piece.
Provenance: Dutch collection of J. Leegstra (1937–2025).
Similar plates are found in the following collections:
- Rijksmuseum, inventory no. AK-NM-13677.
- Princessenhof Leeuwarden, no. NO 05560.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, object no. 2002.447.122 (On view at the Met Fifth Avenue, in Gallery 201: March 2026).
Condition: Perfect.
1 750 €
Period: 18th century
Style: Asian art
Condition: Perfect condition
Material: Porcelain
Width: 23,5
Reference (ID): 1843557
Availability: In stock
Print
