A RARE FAMILLE ROSE PSEUDO-ARMORIAL PLATE FOR THE EUROPEAN MARKET Qianlong period, circa 1775 Attractively and unusually enameled at the center with a large heart-shaped cartouche formed from two curling leafy branches, one side with a standing figure apparently chopping at a leafless tree, the other with a fencing figure standing 'en garde', within a basket of unidentified contents, a kite and a book forming part of the surround, the border with a continuous iron-red and gilt leafy bamboo band enriched with scatted flowers. 9in (23cm) diam Footnotes: 乾隆時期 約1775年 稀有為歐洲市場製粉彩描金盾紋式盤 This design is not recorded anywhere as the accredited coat of arms of an individual; so perhaps it contained a witty pun on the name or career of someone who could not afford, or was not sufficiently successful to commission, a family coat of arms from an accredited College of Arms as in London. The source for this image is so far unknown, but the elaborate design rather suggests it copies or is derived from a bookplate or official insignia of a social or military organization, perhaps for retired soldiers. It has been suggested that it could be the device of a Gentlemen's club of the period. There is clearly a specific significance in the three objects within the cartouche surround, but no obvious link between them. References: Cohen & Cohen, 2006, no. 27, p. 46; Hervouet and Bruneau, 1986, p. 340, no. 14.49; and Harrison-Hall, 1999. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ¤ ¤ Without reserve