A Rare Folly Fort Deep Plate

Decorated in puce monochrome with a scene of the Dutch Folly Fort

Within a gilt, and a blue enamel floral borders

The rim decorated with a  bianco-sopra-bianco floral scroll

Qianlong C1735/50

Diameter; 8 3/4: (22.2 cm)

Condition; one very small frit to rim

In the Ming Dynasty the Chinese had constructed two forts in the Pearl River as defences

For the city of Guangzhou (Canton)

Due to developments in weaponry they were redundant by the 18thc

The Dutch and French were then allowed to make use of them as warehouses

Being known as the French and Dutch Folly Forts

The Dutch Fort was directly opposite the city and just half a mile from the hongs.

Where they were  given permission to build a hospital.

However, they were later discovered to be bringing guns