18th Century Chinese Canton Enamel Dish, Qianlong Period, Painted Copper

Antique 18th century Chinese Canton painted enamel on copper dish, dating to the Qing dynasty and attributed to the Qianlong period, circa 1736–1795.

A wonderfully decorative little piece of early Chinese enamel work, measuring approximately 10.7 cm in diameter.

The dish is formed from copper and decorated in brightly coloured painted enamels. The centre depicts two figures seated within a traditional mountainous landscape, accompanied by a vessel or incense burner, flowering tree and stylised rocks.

The central scene is surrounded by a particularly attractive yellow-ground border decorated with flowers, fruit, foliage and a butterfly in famille rose colours.

The reverse is covered in characteristic turquoise-blue enamel and has a raised metal foot rim.

Details:

• Chinese Canton painted enamel
• Qing dynasty
• Attributed to the Qianlong period, 18th century
• Painted enamel on copper
• Figural landscape decoration
• Yellow-ground floral and fruit border
• Turquoise enamel reverse
• Unmarked
• Diameter: approximately 10.7 cm
• Height: approximately 2 cm

Condition:

This is an antique piece of considerable age and has noticeable age-related wear.

There is extensive crazing and scratching to the enamel together with areas of enamel loss, particularly around the outer border. There are also several areas of enamel loss to the turquoise reverse where the underlying copper can be seen.

The metal foot rim shows age-related wear and some distortion/separation, as photographed.

The central painted scene remains remarkably attractive and clearly defined despite the wear.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the condition in detail.

The dish is unmarked and has no accompanying provenance. The Qianlong-period attribution is based upon its construction, materials, decorative style and comparison with known 18th-century Canton enamel pieces rather than a maker’s or reign mark.

A charming survivor of early Chinese export enamel work and a highly decorative piece for a collection of Chinese antiques, Qing dynasty objects or historic enamels.

Display stand is not included.