Chinese Export Porcelain “Cherry Pickers” Plate, Qianlong, 18th Century

Description

This famille-rose ‘Cherry Pickers’ plate was produced in China during the Qing dynasty, specifically for export to Europe around 1780. The plate features finely enamelled decoration inspired by the French print ‘La Cueillette des Cerises’, which was engraved by Nicolas Ponce. The central scene depicts figures gathering cherries from a tree: a youth stands on a ladder, handing fruit to a lady who holds up her bustled skirt, while another lady sits on the ground beside a wicker basket and a little white dog. The rim of the plate is adorned with a rouge-de-fer chain border. The porcelain body itself displays a light blue cast, and the plate’s edge is notably sharp.

Dimensions:
The plate measures approximately 23.00 cm (9.25 inches) in diameter.

Condition:
This piece is in Excellent condition, especially considering its age of nearly 250 years. The enamels and gilding remain in very good condition, with no cracks or hairlines present. There are 3 small chips on the underside, which have been documented in photographs. Please review the accompanying photos closely, as they are an integral part of the description.