Story: Asia and New Zealand

Chinese porcelain

Chinese porcelain

This Chinese porcelain plate, made during the Yongzheng period (1723–1735), is decorated with floral motifs in 'famille rose' style. The central image shows a woman being presented with a box by her attendant, watched by a yellow deer. The plate was part of the collection of Charles and Ella Elgar, who lived at Fernside estate near Featherston, Wairarapa, from the 1880s. Ceramics were among a wide range of Asian products imported into colonial New Zealand. Tea was perhaps the most significant, but rum, textiles, furnishings, sugar, rice, ivory, tobacco and fireworks were also brought in.

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Reference: CG000856

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How to cite this page:

David Capie, 'Asia and New Zealand - Early contacts with Asia', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/36218/chinese-porcelain (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by David Capie, published 20 Jun 2012