Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A charming trio of small, octagonal porcelain platters decorated in the classic underglaze blue 'Nanking' pattern. Each features a detailed river landscape with pagodas, a bridge, a sampan boat, and a diaper-patterned border with a spearhead inner band. These pieces represent the height of the global trade in Chinese porcelain designed specifically for Western dining tables.
Story
During the late 1700s, Western merchants in Canton ordered these hand-painted landscapes to satisfy Europe's obsession with the exotic East. The design directly inspired England's famous Willow pattern, changing global ceramic history forever.
Maker / Origin
These platters were potted and fired in the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen, then transported down the mountain passes to Canton (Guangzhou). There, local workshop artisans hand-painted the cobalt blue designs before they were loaded onto East India Company merchant ships bound for the West.
Condition & Value
The platters show typical signs of age, including minor glaze fritting and small chips along the delicate octagonal rims, as well as some light surface scratching. There is a small, visible brown-colored chip on the rim of one platter.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.