SEVEN CHINESE ARMORIAL DISHES FROM THE WOLTERBEEK SERVICE
C.1818
Comprising: six circular dishes and one oval dish, the centre of each with an armorial of an elephant and wild cat framing the monogram 'C J W' above a banner inscribed 'Mallacca', all encircled by alternating panels of flowers and formal flowerheads on diaper brightly painted in enamels and gilt, 24.9cm. (7)
Constantijin Johan Wolterbeek (1766-1845) was a Dutch vice admiral. He was appointed as a commissioner to take over the Malacca peninsula from the English when they ceded the colony to the Dutch and the service was given to him by the Sultan of Malacca.
Provenance: from a Dutch collection, purchased in Indonesia prior to 1975.