A Set of Four 18th Century Qianlong Period Blue and White Porcelain Plates

A set of four mid-eighteenth century blue and white porcelain side plates, with floral decoration throughout.

Qianlong Period (1736-1796)

A change in dining habits as well as the establishment of a coffee and tea culture in Europe forged a change in interests and consequently vast demands in porcelain production. The Chinese quickly responded to this and produced new designs that were shipped to Europe in larger quantities. With this, various sizes, shapes and patterns of balanced proportions and a smooth glazes were produced to cater for Western developments. Plates such as these would have formed part of greater sets, commissioned for grand houses in Britain, Holland, Scandinavia and North America.