Dish, porcelain painted in coloured enamels, Beijing, China, Qing dynasty, Yongzheng reign period, 1723-1735. Diameter: 15.7 cm. 1991C-1855. © V&A Images

'Egg-shell' porcelain saucer, circular, painted in polychrome enamels of the famille rose palette with flowers of magnolia and apricot blossoms; the design of a dragon is moulded on the well.

The introduction of pink and opaque white overglaze enamels about 1720 at the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen had a tremendous impact on porcelain production, for both the domestic and export markets. Due to the predominance of pink, these wares were subsequently named famille rose ('pink family') by European collectors of the mid-19th century. In China, they are usually called fencai ('powdered colours'), ruancai ('soft colours') or falancai ('enamel colours').

The exact origins of this innovation are not clear, but it probably developed from technical advancements in the manufacture of enamelled metals and cloisonné objects at the imperial workshops of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The colours may have been invented independently by Chinese craftsmen, although European Jesuits may have contributed to this advancement.

In addition to the enamelled decoration, the design of a dragon is moulded on the well of the saucer. This type of pattern is called anhua or 'secret design' as it is only visible when the object is held to the light.

Note: Formerly in the collection of Augustus the Strong of Saxony