Porcelain having this style of decoration, with the ornament arranged in panels, is known as Kraak ware. It first appeared during the Wanli period (1573-1620) and was among the earliest types of Chinese porcelain to arrive in Europe in large quantities. Kraak ware often features in Dutch still life paintings of the 17^th century. The name probably derives from the Portuguese ships, called carracks, in which it was transported.

H.B. Harris, a former owner of this plate, was a founder member of the Oriental Ceramic Society. The remains of his collection are now on display in the museum of Harrow School.

Provenance: H.B. Harris (1871-1929), by descent to his great-nephew Jonathan Harris, by whom given to Anthony du Boulay in 2015