A wonderful pair of Chinese export porcelain hot water dishes decorated in Famille Rose enamels with Mandarin decoration, each centered with a detailed scene of courtly Mandarin life within a fantastical rim bordered with swirling dragons chasing the flaming pearl, the top of the plates with a reserve inscribed with the gilded initials of the original owner of the service. In an era that produced some really brilliant designs, this is one of the best examples of the Mandarin services that we’ve had.  Measuring 9 3/4″ in diameter; one with a chip to the reverse, and both with very minor wear commensurate with age.  Circa 1800.