Description
Large and rare Chinese export porcelain "Don Quixote" oval platter, ca. 1750. The center in famille rose enamels depicting the Spanish knight astride his horse, the faithful Sancho Panza at his side, within a rocky landscape. The rim with four grisaille cartouches.
Provenance: Philip Suval Inc., 16 October 1997; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff.
Reference: Howard & Ayers, "China for the West," Vol. I, pg. 345-6, no. 344.
Howard, "Choice of the Private Trader," pg. 95, no. 85.
Lot Essay:
The scene is a faithful copy in nearly every detail from an engraving by J. Folkema (1692-1767) titled "D. Quixote toma la Bazie de un Barbero, por el Yelmo de Mambrino (Don Quixote dons a barber's bowl as Mambrin's helmet)." The only detail lacking from the print is a man running away in the background. This print was inspired by an engraving by B. Picart (1673-1733) which in turn was after a painting by C. Coypel.
There are at least two known services with this pattern. One, produced around 1742, and another later produced around 1750, which was redrawn by a Chinese artist, as evidenced by the handling of the background rockwork and trees. The present platter originates from the later service. There is also some evidence of another even later service (see Sotheby's, New York, "Americana Furniture, Folk Art..." 23 January 2023, Lot 955).
As for the present lot and the 1750 service, it has been suggested that it may have been produced for Philip Bromfield, J.P., of Baldre, Hampshire (1739-99), who was captain of the armed East Indiaman "St. Anne," who later commanded "The Salisbury" at Canton in 1771. However, Howard argues against this as the style pre-dates Captain Bromfield's visits to Canton, unless these were purchased when he was a young man ordering it for a member of his family.
Length: 18 1/2 in x width: 14 3/4 in.
Provenance: Philip Suval Inc., 16 October 1997; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff.
Reference: Howard & Ayers, "China for the West," Vol. I, pg. 345-6, no. 344.
Howard, "Choice of the Private Trader," pg. 95, no. 85.
Lot Essay:
The scene is a faithful copy in nearly every detail from an engraving by J. Folkema (1692-1767) titled "D. Quixote toma la Bazie de un Barbero, por el Yelmo de Mambrino (Don Quixote dons a barber's bowl as Mambrin's helmet)." The only detail lacking from the print is a man running away in the background. This print was inspired by an engraving by B. Picart (1673-1733) which in turn was after a painting by C. Coypel.
There are at least two known services with this pattern. One, produced around 1742, and another later produced around 1750, which was redrawn by a Chinese artist, as evidenced by the handling of the background rockwork and trees. The present platter originates from the later service. There is also some evidence of another even later service (see Sotheby's, New York, "Americana Furniture, Folk Art..." 23 January 2023, Lot 955).
As for the present lot and the 1750 service, it has been suggested that it may have been produced for Philip Bromfield, J.P., of Baldre, Hampshire (1739-99), who was captain of the armed East Indiaman "St. Anne," who later commanded "The Salisbury" at Canton in 1771. However, Howard argues against this as the style pre-dates Captain Bromfield's visits to Canton, unless these were purchased when he was a young man ordering it for a member of his family.
Length: 18 1/2 in x width: 14 3/4 in.
Condition
Several small repaired chips or frits to the rim. Frits to the rim throughout, mainly to the glaze layer. Light wear to the footrim. No cracks.
Buyer's Premium
30%
Large & Rare Don Quixote Platter ca. 1750
Estimate $10,000-$20,000
Starting Bid
$5,000
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This auction is curated by:
Sean BlanchetAsian Art Specialist
Robert SnellPaintings and Sculpture Specialist
Leo & Doris Hodroff Chinese Export Collection
Nov 12, 2026, 11:00 AM ESTSt. Paul, MN, United States
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