Rare Pair of Derby Porcelain Plates, Kylin Pattern, c. 1790
£1,400.00
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A rare pair of antique English porcelain plates produced by the Derby Porcelain Factory circa 1790 and decorated in the scarce Kylin (Qilin) Pattern. The design, recorded as no. 3 in the Derby "plate pattern" book, features a stylised Chinese-inspired arrangement of four reserved panels set against varied brocade-style grounds. Unusually for English porcelain of this period, the decoration extends to the reverse, reflecting an early and deliberate attempt to comprehensively imitate Chinese export porcelain rather than reinterpret it in a European manner. Plates of this type belong to the very earliest phase of Derby plate production and represent some of the most ambitious and finely executed wares of the late 18th century.
The central medallion and four reserves are painted with lively kylins, mythological creatures associated with prosperity and authority. The figures are exceptionally well preserved, retaining remarkable clarity and freshness of line. Stylised floral motifs derived from East Asian ornament appear throughout, including on the reverse, a feature rarely encountered on English or Continental plates of this date. For porcelain dating to circa 1790, examples of this pattern are extremely rare, particularly surviving in a state of preservation comparable to museum-held examples.
Dimensions:
Plate 1 - Diameter: 21.8 cm; Height: 2.6 cm; Weight: 324 g
Plate 2 - Diameter: 21.8 cm; Height: 2.8 cm; Weight: 394 g
Condition:
Plate 1 - Excellent antique condition. No visible chips, cracks or restorations. Exceptionally well-preserved enamels and gilding. There is a very small hairline in the enamel on the reverse, visible under magnification only.
Plate 2 - Outstanding antique condition. No visible chips, cracks or restorations. The enamels and gilding are preserved to an exceptional degree. There is a minute hairline in the enamel on the reverse, visible only under magnification.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.
Rare Pair of Derby Porcelain Plates, Kylin Pattern, c. 1790
£1,400.00
The central medallion and four reserves are painted with lively kylins, mythological creatures associated with prosperity and authority. The figures are exceptionally well preserved, retaining remarkable clarity and freshness of line. Stylised floral motifs derived from East Asian ornament appear throughout, including on the reverse, a feature rarely encountered on English or Continental plates of this date. For porcelain dating to circa 1790, examples of this pattern are extremely rare, particularly surviving in a state of preservation comparable to museum-held examples.
Dimensions:
Plate 1 - Diameter: 21.8 cm; Height: 2.6 cm; Weight: 324 g
Plate 2 - Diameter: 21.8 cm; Height: 2.8 cm; Weight: 394 g
Condition:
Plate 1 - Excellent antique condition. No visible chips, cracks or restorations. Exceptionally well-preserved enamels and gilding. There is a very small hairline in the enamel on the reverse, visible under magnification only.
Plate 2 - Outstanding antique condition. No visible chips, cracks or restorations. The enamels and gilding are preserved to an exceptional degree. There is a minute hairline in the enamel on the reverse, visible only under magnification.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.