Lot Essay
Although never proven, this design has often been attributed to Cornelis Pronk. Certainly the distinct combination of colours can be found in the Pronk repertoire, just as the shapes can. The cherry sprays held in the parrot's claw are not unlike those seen in the border design of a dish of 1740, illustrated by C.J.A. Jörg. Pronk Porcelain, p.80, pl.IX and X, nos. 49 & 50. A similarly decorated piece was sold in our London Rooms, 29 March 1982, lot 356, and illustrated by A. du Boulay, Christie's Pictorial History of Chinese Ceramics, p.263, fig.11. It is rare to find complete garnitures but a single vase was sold on our London Rooms, 7 April 1997, lot 48. A cup and saucer with this design is illustrated by Williamson, The book of Famille Rose, pl.XLII