A rare Chinese famille rose 'Brussels Clothtraders' plate, Qianlong, ca. 1740-1750

Dia.: 23 cm

This Chinese plate depicts Brussels textile merchants. The top of the border shows the city's coat of arms, featuring the archangel Michael slaying a black devil. As a renowned textile centre, Brussels was especially known for its camlet, a fabric made from goat or camel hair imported from Asia. The inscription "Caro de Oro" and "Fabrica de Brusela" may be interpreted as "Brussels fabric, as precious as gold." The design likely derives from an engraved copper plate held in the Museum De Lakenhal in Leiden (inv. no. 11056). (link).

Ref.: 
- Rob Michiels Auctions, 11 February 2017, lot 628 for a comparable example. Now part of the collection of the Albuquerque Foundation, on display in Sintra, Portugal. (sold EUR 14.950,00) (link) 
- Another example of this type is in the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels (Inv. LH 20 I). See also Jörg, 'Chine de Commande from the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels', p. 284-285.