Hundred Butterflies Porcelain Appraisal

Chinese Republic Period Famille Rose 'Hundred Butterflies' Porcelain Plate

This is a circular porcelain plate featuring a decorative 'Hundred Butterflies' (Bai Die) motif, a symbol of longevity and marital happiness in Chinese culture. The plate is constructed from white porcelain with overglaze polychrome enamel decoration. The central well depicts a cluster of three large, stylized butterflies surrounded by several smaller ones, while the wide rim is densely packed with a continuous border of various butterflies in flight. The color palette includes vibrant shades of iron red, green, blue, yellow, and black, accented with gilding on the wing highlights and the outer rim. The style is characteristic of the Famille Rose (Fencai) palette applied during the Republic Period. Physically, the enameling appears textured and raised, particularly the black outlines and the 'millefleurs-style' arrangement of the insects. Notable features include the variety of butterfly wing patterns and the use of gold paint, which shows some minor rubbing consistent with age. There is visible wear on the gilded rim and slight surface abrasions on the main plate body. The context provided suggests a manufacturing date of approximately 1940, placing it in the late Republic period. The craftsmanship shows typical production standards for export ware of this era, with busy, energetic patterns designed to appeal to both domestic and international markets. No specific maker's marks are visible on the front, but the underside likely contains either a studio mark or a 'Made in China' stamp in red ink, consistent with the user's provided context.