The 'Music Party' scene in the centre of this plate was copied from a print drawn by the Parisian Robert Bonnart and engraved by Nicholas Bonnart (1646-1718), his brother. The print, a copy of which is in the Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris, is entitled 'Symphonie du Tympanum, du Luth et de la Flute d'Allemagne'. It is accompanied by the following verses which compare the pleasures of music to those of love. 'Un Consert est charmant lors qu'il est bien d'accord, Et qu'on scait justement suivre sa tablature; mais il est bien plus doux, ou je me trompe fort, Quand l'Amour prend plaisir de battre la mesure.'
For an illustration of the Bonnart print and a similar plate cf. D. Howard and J. Ayers, op.cit., p. 77, pl. 35 & 35a. The author suggests that the accuracy of the copying and the hatched style of the drawing confirm that the prints were the direct source of the Chinese artist. Cf. also F. & N. Hervouet and Y. Bruneau, op.cit., p.189, pl. 8. 18. for a colour illustration.

An identical plate was sold in these Rooms, 11 May 1992, lot 139.