An Extremely Rare Chinese Export Later-Decorated Pierced Tripod Stand, Qing Dynasty, 18th Century | 清十八世紀 青花後加彩七角三足盤

The seven-pointed star form of the present example is very rare, and the intended use of this type of stands remain unknown. No other later-decorated examples appear to have been published. A pair blue and white examples is illustrated in Maria Antónia Pinto de Matos, The RA collection of Chinese Ceramics: A Collector's Vision, London, 2019, vol. IV, cat. no. 90. The author speculates that the pierced stands might have been used for draining, or may have indented to keep food warm. The author also suggested that these may have been part of a surtout de table when combined with other table decorations such as candlesticks, baskets and tureens to create an ornamental table display. Another blue and white pair, formerly in the collection of Colonel William Stirling, sold first Christie's London, December 5th, 1977, lot 293, and later again in our London rooms, May 6th, 1986, lot 28.