Plate on footring, the spreading sides modelled with pomegranate-shaped panels in low relief, scalloped rim. ‘Milk and Blood’, decorated in iron-red and gold. In the centre a river scene. On the water a boat with figures, a Dutch drawbridge to the right, with two animals next to a vase as a crown on the top beam. In the panels on the sides a bird on a prunus spray alternating with flowering plants, flower sprays and insects between. The reverse is undecorated. This is an extremely early, perhaps even the earliest example of chine de commande in overglaze colours. The Western element in the decoration is the rather conspicuous drawbridge placed abruptly in the middle of the Chinese scene of a river scene with a boat. The rings used to raise the bridge-deck are clearly seen. The decoration on the beam may be a Chinese interpretation of two lions with a coat of arms. The boat is easily imagined as a gondola with a canopy and the two oarsmen with hats as wearing tight-fitting knee-breeches. Obviously the potter had a model, possibly a painting or drawing, and evidently this is a commissioned representation. It is impossible now to gauge if this reflects the client’s intentions, but...