Pair of Dutch tin-glaze polychrome plates done in yellows, reds, and greens based on the "Eight Precious Objects" motif. Diameter 9 1/4 inches. $875. For a similar example ref: H.-P. Fourest, Delftware: Faience Production at Delft, plate 127.

One of the most widespread designs in the second quarter of the eighteenth century used by various European factories (Rouen and Sinceny especially) is a group of disparate objects based on the 'Eight Precious Objects' as interpreted on Chinese porcelain of the Kangxi period, with a scatter of vases, boxes, tables, brush-holders and teapots arranged according to the whim of the painter. There are always ribbons floating from most of the objects. The prototype is generally in blue-and-white, but Delft and Rouen both appear to have preferred to make these motifs a pretext for polychrome effects.