QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

Although numerous patterns come under the term `tobacco leaf', this combination of the classic overlapping leaves and flowers combined with the pair of pheasants observing the two tree-shrews clambering amongst the grape vines, must be one of the most decorative and charming, as well as one of the rarer patterns.  It probably evolved from slightly earlier patterns and was most likely first produced circa 1760.  The design became so popular in the 18th century that several slightly later services were ordered from China, a few examples of which are amongst the plates in the present lot, and which probably date to circa 1780-90.  The pattern was particularly popular with the Portuguese and Brazilian markets, but also appears in both private and museum collections around the world.  It continued to be copied in both the 19th and 20th centuries. 
 
See Pierre L. Debomy, Tobacco Leaf and Pseudo, Sevres, 2013, pattern A2, pp. 102-105; and Geoffrey A. Godden, Oriental Export Market Porcelain, London, 1979, p. 176, fig. 85, for an extensive part service of this pattern, which was sold at Christie's London, 24 February 1969, lot 123. See also a a pair of butter-tubs, covers and stands of this pattern, formerly in the Elinor Gordon Collection, sold in Christie's New York, Philadelphia Splendor: The Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Max R. Zaitz, 22 January 2016, lot 149.