​Large Chinese Export Blue & White Octagonal Serving Tray - Qianlong Period (1736-1795) ​ ​An impressive and substantial 18th-century Chinese export porcelain serving tray of octagonal form, dating to the Qianlong period. This large-scale piece is hand-painted in underglaze cobalt blue with a Riverside Landscape scene. The central composition features a pagoda and traditional Chinese dwellings with rocky outcrops and pine trees, a scholar's boat in the water, distant mountainous terrain, and a flight of birds. ​ ​The tray shows the high-quality craftsmanship of the mid-18th century export trade from Jingdezhen. The porcelain base has a light blue-grey tinted glaze. A spearhead band borders the well, and the wide, eight-sided rim is decorated with a diaper-pattern border interspersed with butterflies and floral sprays. Due to its significant size and the fact that it is handmade, the tray is not completely straight. We took photos with an AA battery included for size reference - it's very big. ​ ​Height: 4.2 cm, Width: 47 cm, Depth: 38.8 cm, Net Weight: 2496 g. ​ ​The tray is in good antique condition. The rim has several small chippings and minor "flea bites" (fritting). There are black firing marks around the rim area, which are original to the manufacturing process. One hairline crack is present. A unique detail is found on the unglazed underside: a small hair is embedded directly into the porcelain body, having been trapped there during the original 18th-century production process. The glossy enamel and glaze remain well-preserved. ​ ​Please take a good look at the photos, which are an integral part of the description. This lot will be carefully packed so it will get to its new owner exactly as it should.