Qianlong Era, late 18th century shaped oval deep well platter and lid with cobalt and star band border, center with floral festoons forming a star with ribbon and shield with initials JMW, gilt accents, lid having pomegranate finial. platter, 14 1/2 in. Long, 11 in. Wide, cover, 11 1/2 in. Long, 9 in. Wide. James Watson was a Yale college graduate (class of 1776), who became a lieutenant in the Continental Army and was promoted to captain at war's end. Watson would later go on to become a wealthy New York merchant and United States senator, from 1798-1800. For further reading, D.S. Howard, New York and the China Trade.

Platter, excellent professional repair on one small edge section, and tight hairline, cover, small rim chip, small very tight hairline