TWO CHINESE EXPORT PORCELAIN ‘PRONK DAME AU PARASOL’ PLATES

CIRCA 1738, QIANLONG PERIOD

Details

The first enamelled with the pattern by Cornelis Pronk, with a lady feeding ducks shaded by her maid-servant, in the Imari palette enriched in gilding, the second with similar subject in famille rose palette, the border with cartouches of birds alternating with figures, both painted to the underside with insects
9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm.) diameter, the imari plate
9 3/8 in. (23.7 cm.) diameter, the blue and white plate
Lot Essay

In 1734 the Dutch East India Company (VOC) commissioned the celebrated artist Cornelis Pronk (1691-1759) to design four patterns for use on Chinese porcelain. Most of the patterns were made in several colour palettes and were used for a variety of forms, from small vases to garnitures, large basins and dinner services. Each design reflected a romantic European vision of Chinese life. Pronk's 'La Dame au Parasol' was his first design for the VOC and is his most well-known.