Blue and White Oval-Shaped Plaque, Delft, circa 1765. Marked WVDB in blue for Weduwe van den Briel, owner of ‘t Fortuyn (The Fortune) factory (1759-1771). Object no. D2455 © Aronson Delftware 

In a beautifully fenced garden, Chinese figures stand amidst fluttering insects and a majestic willow tree. One figure holds a kettle and a fan, while the other carries a large parcel on their back, all set against the backdrop of a grand pagoda.

This plaque is a quintessential example of chinoiserie, a style that originated in the seventeenth century and quickly captivated Europe. Inspired by Asian imageries, Delftware painters added their own Dutch interpretation, creating scenes that are semi-Chinese rather than authentically Chinese. They combined elements they found most characteristic of exotic Asia, blending them in unique ways.