A porcelain plate painted in shades of under glaze cobalt blue, in traditional Chinese taste, depicting two ducks swimming on a pond surrounded with aquatic plants. On the base is a six character reign mark of the Kangxi emperor within a double circle which reads "Da Qing Kang Xi Nian Zhi" ("Great Qing Kang Xi Year Made).
This plate was made in the late 17th Century, circa 1690, during the reign of the Kangxi emperor (1662-1722). Unusually for a 'Mark and Period' piece this plate is a European shape and was probably made for export.
A similar plate is to be found in the 1997 catalogue of S. Marchant & Son, Kensington Church Street, London W8.
Condition: Excellent - no damages and no restoration
21cm (8.25 inches) diameter.