A superb quality Chinese export plate decorated in fine black line style known as en grisaille or encre de Chine, additionally with rouge de fer enamel and gilding, taken from a series of European subject scenes popular in the 18th century. The central roundel depicts a young shepherdess in a straw hat, resting against a tree trunk while holding a lamb at her side. A band of rouge de fer enamel and gilt spearheads encircles the cavetto and a scrolling gilt Meissen-style lacework border decorates the wide rim. This pastoral scene exhibits the skill with which Chinese artisans reproduced the effect of European engravings, and great care is shown in its details, from the fine cross-hatching to the subtle skin tone shading, and the use of two shades of gilding on the earring.

The "Shepherdess" pattern is known as one of the "gallant and idyllic" group of scenes copied onto porcelain from European prints sent to China by Western clients (some other groups included portraiture, armorial, mythological, and religious engravings). The idyllic scenes conveyed a romantic view of nature, domestic scenes, and solitary repose. In a classic example of design influences exchanged in the China Trade, the design on this plate was likely copied by the Chinese directly from porcelain produced by the Meissen factory in Germany, and was destined for the Dutch market.
清代 Qing Dynasty, 乾隆 Qianlong Period (1736-1795)
Diameter:  9" (22.8 cm)
Condition: Excellent,  with slight wear on gilt border.
Reference: See Chinese Export Porcelain, Chine de Commande from the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels, page 132-133; see also China to Order, Daniel Nadler, page 64, plate 39; 
and Mildred R. and Rafi Y. Mottahedeh Collection, Sotheby's, New York, 2000, page 96 lot 214.
Please refer to item #EX-221A when inquiring.