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Chinese Export Pseudo Tobacco Leaf Plate, c. 1740-50

Offered by: Robert Morrissey Antiques & Fine Art

Description
Chinese export porcelain pseudo tobacco leaf plate, the center painted with a leafy plant and a chrysanthemum, the border with three bouquets of flowers.

The term "tobacco leaf" was first used by W. G. Gulland in his 1898 book, "Chinese Porcelain". In it, he illustrates a plate with an identical leafy plant, and described as "a bouquet of brown leaves with undertones of red and veins of gold with white enamel stems...This model is known as a tobacco leaf motif." [1] The foliage is actually similar to Chinese cabbage, but its representation in the brown tobacco color gave the motif its name. What would later be called "tobacco leaf", with its bright colors and exuberant designs, evolved from this early motif.

Many variations on this early pseudo-tobacco leaf design were produced. See the blue and white charger on this site for another example. Pierre L. Debomy illustrates three on pages 183 and 185. (See footnote below.) Each has a central clump of wide leaves with white stems low to the ground.

[1]
Pierre L. Debomy, "Tobacco Leaf" and "Pseudo" : A Tentative Inventory (Societe des Amis du Musee National de Ceramique, 2013), 25.

More Information

Period:	18th Century
Materials:	Porcelain
Condition:	Good. Fine condition- no chips, cracks or repairs.
Creation Date:	1740-50
Styles / Movements:	Chinese Export, Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	50941001
Incollect Reference #:	844675

Dimensions

Diam.	9 in;
Diam.	22.86 cm;

Message from Seller:

Robert Morrissey Antiques & Fine Art, established in 1948, specializes in period European furniture, modern design, and an extensive selection of paintings and sculpture. Contact us at 314.644.7066 or robert@robertmorrissey.com to explore our curated collection.