BLUE INTERLACED L MARK ENCLOSING DATE LETTERS KK FOR 1787, PAINTER'S MARK FOR LEVÉ, GILDER'S MARK FOR CHAUVAUX, PÈRE, INCISED 24

The present plate is painted in the same pattern as a service purchased by the comte de Montmorin de Saint' Hérem, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on 24 May 1787, described in the sales records as zone bleu et fleurs Chines. The pattern was produced throughout the late 18th century and over time has become associated with the count's name. For other examples, see the triangular stand with three fixed pots sold Christie's King Street, 28 February 1994, lot 137 and another plate from the collection of Charles-Otto Zieseniss, sold Christie's Paris, 6 December 2001, lot 242.

An extensive dessert service in the present pattern of over one-hundred pieces with date letters for 1787 and 1788 is to be included in a sale at our King Street galleries the evening of 13 June, Works of Art from Longleat. For further details please contact the European Ceramics department.