The scene depicted appears on many Chinese and Japanese plates and has traditionally been identified as a view of Deshima Island near Nagasaki, which was the headquarters of the Dutch East India Company in Japan from 1641 to 1862. However, it is now thought to represent the Dutch coastal town of Scheveningen. The scene first appeared on Japanese dishes towards the end of the 17^th century, but the motif itself probably derives from a Dutch Delft plate painted in the style of Frederik van Frytom (1632-1702).

This plate was made in or near the town of Arita, where large quantities of porcelain were manufactured, mostly for export to Europe and usually in Chinese styles. For an example of Chinese plate based on this design, see Ch223.

Provenance: R&G McPherson Antiques, London, 16 June 2006; accepted in lieu of Inheritance tax by HM Government from the estate of Anthony du Boulay in 2024 and allocated to the Winchester College Treasury Museum.

Location: Treasury, Gallery 2