18th-century Chinese porcelain saucer from the Qianlong period with a Dutch silver mount from 1865

A small antique object can sometimes hold a surprising amount of history. This refined Chinese porcelain dish is a beautiful example of that. The porcelain dates from the 18th century, from the Qianlong period, and was fitted with a richly decorated silver swing handle in the Netherlands more than a century later. Thus, Chinese craftsmanship and 19th-century Dutch silverwork literally come together in one object.

That is precisely what makes this such a lovely piece for a modern interior. Place it on a shelf next to a beautiful plant, on a coffee table among your books, or use it as a small serving dish. The blue-and-white porcelain brings a sense of calm, while the elegant silver immediately adds something special. It is not a mass-produced home accessory, but an object with a history that you can simply bring into your home.

Chinese porcelain with a second life in the Netherlands

The dish is made of blue-and-white Chinese porcelain and dates from the Qianlong period (1736–1795). The inside is richly painted with refined floral motifs and various decorative bands.

The combination of blue painting on a bright porcelain background is characteristic of the great international success of Chinese export porcelain. Chinese porcelain objects found their way to Europe from the 17th century onwards and were highly valued here.

In the 19th century, this plate was fitted with a Dutch silver bracket with a swing handle. The bracket was not only kept functionally simple, but was instead richly crafted with elegant scroll ornaments, floral motifs, and finely engraved details.

That tells something about the appreciation for the original porcelain: it was special enough to have it mounted in silver.

A silver masterpiece by Antonius Hendrikus der Kinderen

The silver mount is extra interesting because of the maker.

The bracket was made by Antonius Hendrikus der Kinderen from 's-Hertogenbosch, a goldsmith and silversmith who was active from 1845 to 1868. His work is known among collectors for its elegant, often richly engraved and pierced execution.

The present hallmarks make the piece particularly easy to date. The year letter F stands for 1865. This allows us to place the silver mount quite precisely in history: the Chinese porcelain was already more than a hundred years old at that time.

The beautiful thing is that the two parts thus each have their own story:

China – 18th century – Qianlong period

&

Netherlands – 1865 – Antonius Hendrikus der Kinderer

Historical background

The porcelain dates from the Qianlong period (1736–1795), a period in which Chinese porcelain production had an enormous international reputation.

Blue-and-white porcelain belonged to the most sought-after forms of Chinese ceramics in Europe. The combination of bright white porcelain and cobalt blue painting was loved for its refined appearance and the great decorative possibilities.

The mount was made in 1865 by Antonius Hendrikus der Kinderen in 's-Hertogenbosch. His work as a goldsmith and silversmith is well documented. A source from Den Bosch even lists him in 1865 as a engraver and silversmith on the Vughterstraat.

Other preserved silver objects by Der Kinderen from this period also show that he was known for finely crafted and decorated silverware.

That makes the silver bracket not just a practical addition, but an interesting independent piece of Dutch silverware.

Specifications

Object: Chinese porcelain dish with silver swing handle
Porcelain: China
Dimensions: Plate diameter approx. 21 cm / height approx. 13.5 cm
Porcelain date: 18th century, Qianlong period
Silver date: 1865
Silversmith: Antonius Hendrikus der Kinderen
Location: 's-Hertogenbosch
Silversmith active period: 1845–1868
Year letter: F – 1865
Silver: Dutch silver, second grade
Decoration: blue-and-white floral painting
Mount: richly decorated Dutch silver bracket/swing handle
Style: Chinese export porcelain combined with 19th-century Dutch silverware

Condition

The object is in good antique condition, appropriate for its age. There is a small hairline on the porcelain on the side. This is very subtle and almost invisible when the dish is viewed from above. In addition, there is a small chip on the side/underside. This is outside the direct line of sight when the object is placed normally and is not visible from above.

The silver mount shows normal signs of age and use, appropriate for a silver object from 1865. The present patina and the slight signs of use contribute to the authentic character.

Frequently asked questions

Is the porcelain really 18th century?
The porcelain is dated to the 18th century and attributed to the Qianlong period (1736–1795).

Is the silver solid?
It is Dutch second-grade silver, as evidenced by the present Dutch hallmarks.

Does the porcelain have damage?
Yes. There is a small hairline on the side and a small chip on the side/underside. Both are relatively inconspicuous and the chip is not visible from above. We mention this explicitly so that the condition is completely transparent.

Can you use the dish?
You can, but given the advanced age of the porcelain and the present hairline, we advise mainly careful and occasional use. As a decorative serving dish, it comes into its own beautifully.

Why is the combination of Chinese porcelain and Dutch silver interesting?
Because the object thus tells two different historical stories. The porcelain was made in China in the 18th century and received a new life in the Netherlands in 1865 thanks to the silver bracket by Antonius Hendrikus der Kinderen.

Is this suitable for a modern interior?
Certainly. Precisely the contrast between the historical blue-and-white porcelain and the elegant silver works beautifully in a modern interior. Among modern accessories, books, and greenery, it forms a small but striking accent.

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