Lot 298. A rare pair of verte-imari armorial dishes for the Portuguese market, Early Qianlong period (1736-1795). Estimate £15,000 - 20,000 (€19,000 - 26,000). Unsold. Photo: Bonhams.

Painted in vibrant verte-Imari enamels and gilt to the interior with a medallion enclosing the arms of Don Luis Peregrino de Ataide, governor of Algarve, beneath a coronet and flanked by cherubs rising from architectural scrollwork, all within an elaborate strapwork border incorporating garlands, leaves and bulls' heads.

Note: Dom Luis Peregrino de Ataide (1700-1758) was the 10th Count of Atouguia, a member of the Council of King Joao V. For similar dishes See N. de Castro, Chinese Porcelain and the Heraldry of the Empire, 1998, pp. 55-61.