A Chinese export mythological scene saucer

A good quality Chinese export soft paste porcelain saucer, finely decorated in underglaze blue, and dating from the Qianlong period. The rim of the saucer has a simple diaper band pattern.  The centre of the saucer is decorated with a marine scene of Neptune standing on the back of dolphins with trident raised, surrounded by tritons and nereids. Diameter 11.4 cm (4.5”)

The decoration is taken from a Seventeenth Century engraving by the Dutch artist Frederick Bloemaert.  A copy of this may be seen in the collection of the Metropolital Museum of Art

A dish with this decoration is in the collections of the Rijksmuseum, and is illustrated as item 321 in Christiaan Jorg’s book ‘Chinese ceramics in the Collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’

Dating: Qianlong c1750

Condition:

Excellent undamaged condition.