A Large and Extensive Chinese Export 'Tobacco Leaf' Part Dinner Service, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, Circa 1785 | 清乾隆 約1785年 粉彩花卉圖餐具一套

As one of the most recognizable patterns in Chinese export art, the 'Tobacco Leaf' pattern was an immensely popular design during the late 18th century for wares destined for Europe. A plate is illustrated in H. A. Crosby Forbes, Yang-ts'ai: The Foreign Colors, Milton, Massachusetts, 1982, p. 26, cat. no. 20, as well as on the cover. The author notes that the tobacco plant was actually unknown in Asia during the late 18th century, and the "leaves actually resemble those of the anona, custard apple", and the "large main flower resembles a species of the passion-flower vine". The elaborate nature of the pattern meant that the 'Tobacco Leaf' services were among one of the more costly pieces to produce. The author notes that there are also approximately fifteen different variations of the pattern known, and the present examples with the large yellow leaf and the delicately painted central flower are the most characteristic.

While porcelains decorated in the ‘Tobacco Leaf' pattern can be seen on the market regularly, extensive groups such as the present lot rarely appear on the market. A large assemblage comprising of 181 pieces, formerly in the collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller, sold at Christie's New York, May 9 2018, lot 139.