Chinese Export “Double Peacock” Pattern Plate

Chinese export porcelain plate, circa 1780.
 
Dimensions: Approximately 9” diameter.
 
Decoration: 
The rim has a geometric patterned border, interspersed by cartouches containing scrolls and is decorated with garlands of flowers.
 
The cavetto is decorated with a spearhead band.
 
The center is decorated with a peacock and peahen perched on rockwork beside a large peony-blossom amongst various flowering branches.
 
The reverse is undecorated.
 
This pattern is known as "Serviço dos Pavões" or "Double Peacock Service”.
 
The service was made for the King Joao VI of Portugal. When the Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil following Napoleon’s invasion of Portugal in 1807, they took this service and other services with them. 
 
It is known as a “viajante” service because, it first travelled from China to Portugal, and then from Portugal to Rio de Janeiro. 
 
Because many pieces were broken during the voyage from Portugal to Brazil, rather than order replacement pieces from China, which would have taken as much as two or three years, King Joao VI specially commissioned the firm of Spode in Stoke-on-Trent, England to copy and replace the broken items. 
 
Spode agreed on the condition that they would later be allowed to reproduce the Pattern for their own customers. In 1813 the Peacock Pattern was first sold by Spode at their shop in London. It soon became one of Spode’s most fashionable and sought-after Patterns during the Regency Period in England.
 
Condition: Minor rim roughness, 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.