Chinese Export Nanking Blue & White Octagonal Plate, Qianlong Period, c. 1750-75

Chinese Export plate in the blue and white Nanking pattern with two figures crossing a bridge and a pagoda in the background.

Two hairline cracks to rear.

In the third quarter of the 18th century, there was a surge in demand for some of the new underglaze blue designs, including the Pagoda pattern, the Nankin pattern with one or two figures on a bridge and the Canton pattern with no figures on the bridge. 18th century pieces are characterised by the care with which they are painted and the amount of decoration, as seen in the elaborate border.