A large Chinese famille rose 'Fort Folly' platter, Qianlong Dim.: 46 x 39 cm The Folly forts were a series of defensive forts set up by the Chinese in the Ming Period and used to protect Canton. By the 18th century, with advances in cannonry, the forts were no longer needed and had fallen in decay. Several European countries including the French and Dutch used them for storage and as bases for their sailors. The Dutch Folly fort lay to the east of Canton, and is depicted on this platter.