A rare Chinese export blue and white leaf-shaped 'Quail' dish, Qianlong, circa 1765
Decorated with a man and woman standing between a flowering tree and a millet stalk with two quails in the foreground, the rim with a continuous band of peonies and foliage, edged in Batavia brown.
43cm long

A private English collector, acquired from R & G McPherson Antiques, London (bearing label).

For a similarly decorated example see David Howard and John Ayers, China for the West, vol. II, pp. 534-535. The leaf-shape dish originated from late 17th century Japanese porcelains, subsequently copied by Meissen circa 1740, and then later by English factories. The decoration is similar to Japanese Kakiemon designs with the exception of the figures which were likely added by Meissen. A very similar but smaller pair was sold at Christie's New York, 20 January 1995, lot 115, and more recently another pair at Sotheby's New York, 23 January 2020, lot 289. Most examples so far appearing at auction have been around 31cm or smaller, making the present lot unusually large.

Condition Report

Small firing fracture to rim on right hand side. Very small and shallow chip to rim edge at the lower point. Otherwise good condition.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.