Featured unusual handpainted plate

does anyone have any thoughts on this plate?

 

I found this plate at the goodwill, the last item left on a cart that had just been rolled out. It had that old smell of lingering tobacco and perhaps incense or perfume.

For the artist of this plate, it must have been no small effort to paint so many dazzling insects. There seems to be no up or down, as to what position it should be displayed, suggesting no formal training on the artist's part. Just my speculation.

I wonder about the plates construction. Is it porcelain? A small chip in the center suggests so, though there seems to be terracotta on the exterior. It rings like a bell.

 

It is called a 100 or 1000 Butterfly plate. It is Chinese porcelain, made in Canton, mid to late 19th century. Those strong black details in the decoration usually point to Macau, a Portuguese colony in the region.

Here are some others:
https://www.rubylane.com/item/197251-3130/Chinese-Ex78port-Plate-Canton-100-Butterfly
http://www.antiques.com/classified/12897/Antique-C-1850-CHINESE-EXPORT-PR--OF-1000-BUTTERFLY-PLATES

 

Thank you!!

 

Welcome to the Forum, Misun!

 

THAT is one GORGEOUS plate!!!!!!! AND, before I forget, WELCOME to the Forum, @misun! I checked out AJ's links, and still think yours looks nicer, although all are lovely! The back on your is VERY interesting......the other two have nothing on their backs, while your's looks to have two either parrots or dodo birds in the orange & yellowish dots......at least, that's what I see!!!!! Could that be a signature???? A question maybe for @Any Jewelry!!!

 

Great information, @Any Jewelry -- and welcome to Antiquers, @misun !

I love the plate.

 

I'm thrilled the dodo bird lives on in abstract detail in the plate construction.

 

Ah yes, the famous dodo mark. I'm sorry, I haven't a clue. These plates generally don't have a mark, but here is a detail.

 

A J - thanks again for the swift reply and abundant knowledge. Yesterday, it was a complete mystery. What a pleasure for the revelation this morning. Though I did have a suspicion it was Chinese, given my close proximity to Chinatown.

At least there was a time when factory workers could still leave their personal touch on an item.

I especially like the errant cucaracha at the bottom. So much lovelier than the real thing.

 

It certainly is, and it is just one and will stay solitary.

 

Thank you !

 

Very Nice and welcome to the forum