A Chinese European-subject plate, Kangxi

An interesting Chinese export deep plate with fluted moulding, decorated in underglaze blue with a European subject, and dating from the Kangxi period.  The centre of the plate is decorated with a European harbour or port scene with boats sailing beneath the walls of a town, and with a bridge in the distance.  The rim of the plate is decorated with a broad band of lotus flowers and scrolls. The reverse of the plate is decorated beneath the rim with floral sprays.  The base is marked with the character yu (jade) within double circles.  Diameter 21cm (8.3")

It is likely that the 'ball and chain' arrangement hanging from the bridge represents the counterweights found on old Dutch drawbridges.

Dating: Kangxi c1700-20

Condition: this plate is in excellent, undamaged, condition.  There are four very small firing faults at the rim, shown in the last photograph.