Object Description
Qianlong period talismanic antique Chinese porcelain plate
Chinese, 18th Century
Height 4cm, diameter 21cm
Made during the 18th century in Qianlong period China, this fine porcelain plate was made for the export market, in particular the Islamic world, and comes in the form of a talismanic plate with Arabic inscriptions. The centre is decorated with a magic square, surrounded by alternating bands of white and red, and decorative motifs in cobalt blue in between, along with inscriptions in gilt.
There is a rich history of Chinese porcelain made for the Islamic export market, especially during the Ming dynasty, but less so during the Qing, and in particular the Qianlong period when there was a tumultuous history of significant tension between the two cultures. A piece such as this, is a rare and important piece of history, as well as a unique collector’s piece.