Chinese export Imari plate, Yongzheng

A well-painted Chinese export plate, decorated in the Imari palette of underglaze blue with red overglaze enamels and gilding, and dating from the Yongzheng period.  The centre of the plate is decorated with two birds, one in the branches of a flowering bush and the other flying above.  The rim is divided into four panels, each of which is decorated with a flowering branch.  The back is undecorated.  Diameter 22.6cm (8.9")

Date: Yongzheng (1723-1735)

Condition.  There is a shallow chip behind the rim, and a small area of missing brown glaze to the brown-dressed rim.  On close inspection this is glazed and is a manufacturing fault, not a chip.  There is significant rubbing to the gilt decoration, particularly to the centre of the plate.