Three  Chinese Export Dutch market armorial dishes, circa  1735.   photo: Christie's Images Ltd., 2012

Comprising a pair of dishes and a charger boldly painted with the arms of Valckenier of Amsterdam surmounted by a shaded pink falcon crest, the rim with sprays of flowering boughs; 11¼ in. (28.5 cm.) diameter, the dishes; 12¼ in. (31.1 cm.) diameter, the charger (3). Estimate $4,000 - $6,000

Notes: Various members of the influential Valckenier family were involved with the Dutch East India Company and ordered armorial porcelain, the leading family member being Adriaan Valckenier, Governor-General of the Indies 1737-41. They commissioned this armorial dinner service, another, similar, with grisaille borders and also a service in blue and white.  

Christie's. Chinese Export Art. 23 January 2012. New York, Rockefeller Plaza www.christies.com