18th C. Armorial Chinese Export Plates - Lauder

Pair of octagonal Chinese export porcelain plates. Circa 1755.
 
Dimensions: Each is approximately 6¼” in diameter.
 
Decoration: 
The border is decorated with flower spray and a green banner containing the motto “Turris Prudentia Custos” (“Prudence is the safeguard of a fortress”).
 
The cavetto has a gilt spearhead band interrupted by a crest consisting of an image of a tower from which appears a sentinel’s head and shoulders. 
 
The center is decorated with a scene of pair of fantastical bird amidst flowers and a gilt tree.
The reverse is undecorated.
 
The crest and motto are of the Lauder family of Fountain Hall, Haddingtonshire. 
 
This service was made for Sir Andrew Lauder, 5th Baronet. Sir Andrew married his cousin Isobel, the heiress of Sir William Dick of Grange, and was the ancestor of the present Dick-Lauder Baronet.
 
The service is illustrated and discussed in Howard, “Chinese Armorial Porcelain”, Vol. 1, at p. 340
 
Condition: Both plates have rough edges with fitting and minor glaze chips; otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage.