These exquisite, Chinese porcelain plates were created in the mid-1800s for the Canton export market, as determined by their high quality and their lack of a back stamp. Their age is further proven by the unglazed ring under the plates' bases. Possibly they are as old as 1830.

The same design is on both plates, but there are slight differences due to the nature of individual hand painting.

These are painted in wonderful detail and vibrant color, shimmering with the dimensional quality of the enamel paints. The brushwork is incredibly fine; the colors are vibrant; and the lines are expressively drawn with assurance and skill.


The "1000 Butterflies" pattern is a highly celebrated and intricate motif in antique Chinese export porcelain. It features a dense swarm of colorful butterflies to symbolize joy, marital bliss, youth, summer, and longevity.  Grasshoppers are associated with good luck, health, happiness, and fertility, and the abundance of these insects represents an outpouring of these blessings. 

During the mid-to-late 19th century, the 1000 Butterflies motif became wildly popular and there was immense global demand for it. The work in newer plates is less skillful, less detailed and with fewer insects and gold compared to 19th century painting.