A Chinese famille rose 'Four elements' plate depicting water, Qianlong

Dia.: 22,5 cm

Condition: (UV-checked)
- With a hairline on the base, slightly visible on the front.

Provenance: A French private collection.

Ref.:
- Christie's, New York, Jan. 21, 2016, lot 71, for another example. (link) (sold USD 11.875)
- Christie's, London, Nov. 8, 2005, lot 135, for another example. (link) (sold GBP 6.600)
- The Cardinal Maurice of Savoy, who became later King of Sardinia, commissioned Francesco Albani (1578-1669) in 1635 to make a series of four circular paintings of the elements – Air, Water, Fire and Earth (now in the Galleria Sabauda in Turin). Later, sets of prints after the painting were made by a number of engravers, including Antoine Hérisset (1685-1769) and Jean-Louis Delignon (1755-1804), among others. One such set served as source for Chinese enamelers who decorated these pieces. (link)