This small, porcelain dish has an underglaze blue band on an everted rim. Gold designs are painted over the glaze with an alternating pattern of floral scrolls and diaper. On the cavetto is a band of famille rose flowers and leaves. The centre has a small medallion in underglaze blue with a stylised flower in gold. Qing wares were often made in the style of Ming wares. Wares such this example illustrate the turbulent period of the transition from Ming to Qing rule at the end of the 17th century. This period was marked by the collapse of the imperial kilns, growing domestic interest in literary subjects and the customisation of private kilns for new markets. During the second half of the nineteenth century the deterioration of quality of Ming porcelain quickened and recovery was only made during the twentieth century.