Plate (2) - Porcelain

Pair of Blue and White porcelain plates – Scholar playing the Guqin scene & ladies in the garden – China, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Era (c. 1750–1780)

Origin: China (Jingdezhen workshops)

Object type: Pair of export porcelain plates

Decoration: Underglaze blue

Subject: A scholar playing the Guqin in a pavilion, a servant preparing tea, and handsome ladies (Meiren) in a garden

Period: Qing Dynasty, Qianlong reign (1736–1795) – circa 1750–1780

Mark: Unmarked on the back (presence of 4 stylized floral motifs on the trailing wing)

Dimensions: (To be completed: Diameter in cm)

Total weight: (To be completed: Weight in g/kg)

Detailed description:

Rare and elegant pair of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain plates from the Blue Family (Famille Bleue) dating to the 18th century (Qianlong period).

Central scene (idyllic and poetic decor):

The Pavilion: Under a finely painted weeping willow, a scholar sits before a table and plays the Guqin (traditional instrument symbolizing erudition). At his feet, a servant tends to boiling water in a teapot.

The Garden: On the outer terrace, two elegant ladies (Meiren) stroll among ornamental rocks (Taihu stone) and foliage.

The Marli / Rim: Framed by a geometric lattice frieze, the outer edge is adorned with a rich continuous floral design evoking flowering plum trees and bamboo (Suihan Sanyou).

Verso: The reverse features a flowing glaze with natural pinholes from firing and four stylized floral motifs on the marli.

Condition:

Very good overall condition for 18th-century pieces.

Glassy glaze and strong intensity of cobalt blue nuances.

No major cracks nor restorations invisible under UV light.

Note: Minor wear or age-related fritting on the border, very common and natural on Chinese porcelains of this period.
Good overall condition, some minor edge wear; one plate slightly different, overall time-worn look.

diameter 23.6 and 23.5 cm
weight 364 and 290 g 200

(Please refer to the high-definition detailed photos to assess the exact condition).

Delivery terms:

Fast, careful, and highly secure shipping. Packaging with reinforced double protection (bubble wrap and ceramic-safe special carton). Tracked shipment with insurance.