18th C. Pseudo-Armorial Fitzhugh Chinese Export Plates

Pair Chinese export porcelain plates with molded edges in a “royal pattern” shape, circa 1785.
 
Dimensions: Each approximately 9½” diameter.
 
Decoration: 
The rim is with a narrow band of blue balls edged with thin gilt bands.
 
The border is decorated in Chinese butterfly and hexagonal diaper pattern with flowers.
 
The cavetto is decorated with a similar diaper design.
 
The center is bordered in a narrow band of green and gilt husks and contains a shield-shaped pseudo-armorial draped in floral swags and containing gilt initials.
 
The reverse is unmarked.
 
For a discussion of the Fitzhugh pattern border, see Howard, “Chinese Armorial Porcelain”, Vol. 1 at pp. 51-54, and Madsen & White, “Chinese Export Porcelains”, at pp. 96-100.
 
Condition: Each plate has a faint hairline running through the center and rubbing to the gilding; otherwise, they are in excellent condition consistent with age and usage.