The shell-filled border of this plate was inspired by a European rococo style. Rococo developed in France in the 18th century, and featured arrays of rocks, shells, flowers, and leafy scrolls. The coat of arms of the Guillot family, Amsterdam merchants, occupies the centre. A coat of arms is a unique design that identifies a particular family, or sometimes an organization. The plate was most likely commissioned by Elias Guillot (ca 1695–1743), Governor of Coromandel, the only member of the family to have worked for the Dutch East India Company.
