Story: Asia and New Zealand

This Chinese porcelain plate, made during the Yongzheng period (1723–1735), is decorated with floral motifs in 'famille rose' style. The central image shows a woman being presented with a box by her attendant, watched by a yellow deer. The plate was part of the collection of Charles and Ella Elgar, who lived at Fernside estate near Featherston, Wairarapa, from the 1880s. Ceramics were among a wide range of Asian products imported into colonial New Zealand. Tea was perhaps the most significant, but rum, textiles, furnishings, sugar, rice, ivory, tobacco and fireworks were also brought in.