A rare pair of Chinese export Dutch armorial saucers c1735

Code: 250302

A pair of Chinese export armorial saucers for the Dutch market, decorated in underglaze blue, and dating to the Yongzheng or early Qianlong period.  Each saucer has an elaborate and carefully drawn armorial with a shield bearing a chevron and three oyster shells, and winged helmet surrounded by elaborate scrollwork.  The rim of each saucer is delicately decorated with a fine spearhead border and a band of flowers and foliage.  The back of the rim has a diaper pattern band.  Diameter of each saucer 11.6cm (4.6")

A plate bearing this armorial is shown on page 189 in 'Chinese Armorial Porcelan for the Dutch Market' by Jochem Kroes, and is identified as most probably belonging to the van Beijssellar family.  The authors state that this armorial is only found on plates, and so this pair of saucers must be considered rare.

Date: Yongzheng to early Qianlong c1735-40

Condition: both saucers have restored chips around the rim. The over-painting of the rim chips is now visible - please see our photographs.