Eighteenth century lacquerware made in Japan for the European market, was probably exclusively exported by the Dutch East Indies Company via Deshima, which had the sole privilege of trade via Japan. Two chief merchants of Deshima, Mr. I. Titsingh and Baron Johan Frederick van Reede tot de Parkeler were especially interested in lacquerwork during the last quarter of the 18th Century. The latter is known to have ordered a few portraits of King Frederic II of Prussia (1712-1786). The portraits were executed in gold on a black ground and oval or square of shape. They were pierced at the top so that they could be hung on a wall. The portraits in this series were modelled after prints illustrated in: L'Europe Illustre, Paris, compiled by Dreux du Radier. They formed part of a larger series in similar style representing famous personalities such as philosophers, artists and statesmen. It has proven impossible to reconstruct these series as most were destroyed during World War II. Though a number of existing ones are signed and dated proving that they were made at Sasaya in Japan between 1787 and 1793.
A similar plaque of 'Joseph II Empereur' was sold Christie's Amsterdam, December 8th 1998, lot 462, another of 'Baltazar Peruzzi' sold Christie's London April 7th 1997, lot 180. Four other plaques are illustrated in 'Ex Oriente Lux, European and Oriental Lacquer from the BASF Lacquer Museum Cologne' exhibition catalogue, number 150.