QIANLONG

This design, commonly called 'Rebecca at the Well', is copying a European engraving; the story is told in Genesis, Chapter XXIV. The figure approaching on the right is probably Isaac's servant. See D. Howard and J. Ayers, op.cit., vol.I, no.301, p.308 for the Mottahedeh example; another, formerly in the Martin-Hurst Collection, is illustrated by G. Williamson, op.cit., pl.XII; a third is illustrated by M. Beurdeley, op.cit., cat.136, p.180. This design is also found on dishes with fluted borders and scalloped rims; an example of this type was exhibited, A Tale of Three Cities, Canton, Shanghai and Hong Kong, London, 1997, Catalogue no.138, also illustrated by F. and N. Hervouët and Y. Bruneau, op.cit., colour plate 11.3, p.259; another from the Jarras Collection was sold in these Rooms, 13 June 1990, lot 102. A pair of plates similar to the present lot was sold in these Rooms, The China Trade Sale II, 6 April 1998, lot 144.