A CHINESE EXPORT PLATE circa 1750-55

painted with a shepherdess standing before two female harvesters and a pair of sheep, three men harvesting in the field beyond, the rim with a gilt shell-and-foliate-scroll border.  Small chip under the rim.

The collection of Jorge Getulio Veiga, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sold, Sotheby's, London, October 31, 1989, lot 257 (a pair)

San Francisco, Fall Antiques Show, 1995

Shallow 1/8 inch chip under the rim at 2:30, minor stacking wear.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

An identical plate is illustrated by Veiga, p. 171, pl. 143; and by Howard 1994, p. 93, no. 83, who notes that the scene was "clearly based on a European engraving, and probably one of the many which presented an idealized view of rural toil in the 18^th century."  He also comments that it  "could have biblical connotations" as well, and it has been suggested that the scene represents the story of Ruth.  A later version of the scene, circa 1800, appears on an oval platter illustrated by Hervouët and Bruneau, p. 87, no. 4.18, and was sold at Christie's South Kensington on November 23, 1993, lot 388.