Chinese export porcelain plate, circa 1760.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 8⅝” in diameter.
 
Decoration: 
The rim is decorated with floral spray and birds and bears the Hardwicke armorial.
 
The cavetto is decorated with a chain band. 
 
The center is decorated with a floral spray, birds, and insects.
 
The reverse is undecorated.
 
The service is illustrated and discussed in Howard, “Chinese Armorial Porcelain”, Vol. 1., at p. 555.
 
Howard believes the service may have been made for Peter Hardwicke, captain of the East Indiaman “Earl of Lincoln”. He was at Canton in 1764, 1767 and 1769.
 
It is also possible that the service was made for Richard Hardwicke, who settled in Shropshire, dying in 1787. The Hardwickes of Dorset are descendent from Richard.
 
Condition: Glaze loss on reverse; otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage. Please examine the photos; they are part of the description.
 
Please note, I do NOT issue partial refunds. If you believe that my description is not accurate, I will refund your purchase price upon receipt of the item in the same condition as it was sent under the terms of the return policy in this listing.
 
I also do not ship to post office boxes.