[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A Qing famille rose plate patterned with peaches and bats

Gulland’s wife, Julia, was also an avid collector. The plate was one five ceramic pieces from the Emperor Yongzheng period that she donated to the V&A in 1907. It features common designs of Chinese porcelain, including the fruits and animals that symbolize great fertility. It represents the soft touch and graceful feeling that distinguishes Yongzheng-era famille rose pieces.