Qianlong period (1736-95), circa 1750, porcelain plate hand painted in polychrome enamels with the coat of arms of Ross family of Balnagowan Castle, three lions on red ground topped with a hand holding a garland of laurel, decorated along the rim with a European band with tendrils and flowers, interior with gilt ruyi head diaper pattern.

9 in. diameter

Private Collection, Virginia Beach, Virginia Collected by the consignor and her husband with the guidance of David Sanctuary Howard, who literally wrote the book on Chinese Armorial porcelain. The couple began collecting during the 1970s from galleries and auction houses across Europe and the United States, and even from Howard himself. This collection is a very special offering of some rare and wonderful pieces collected over a lifetime with great care and passion.

This service was likely made for Admiral Sir John Ross, who was teh M.P> for Lamark from 1761-1774, having inherited Balnagowan Castle from his brother in 1760. He married Elizabeth, sole heir of Robert Dundas of Arniston, Lord President of the Council in 1762, and eventually succeeded his brother to become the 6th Baronet of Balnagowan.

Minor hairline at the rim, a repair to the rim; light rubbing to the gilt.