Bidspirit auction | Octagonal plate from the East
Octagonal plate from the East India Company, China, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong period, 18th century - Underglaze cobalt blue porcelain. Measures 33 x 25 cm. This octagonal plate features an elaborate central lakeside scene, where stylized mountains, trees, pavilions, and human figures are arranged around a waterway traversed by boats, creating a scene of striking narrative depth. The rim is organized by a wide decorative band composed of floral motifs and geometric frets, framing the composition with rhythm and precision. The undecorated reverse reinforces the piece's clean lines. The quality of the drawing and the compositional complexity are characteristic of Qianlong period (1736–1795) porcelain, placing this plate within the realm of 18th-century Chinese export porcelain, prized for its balance between technical refinement and ornamental richness.