Plate
mid 17th century
Maker Unknown
Asian Art
On this plate, fanciful horses gallop among billowing waves and plum blossoms. Interspersed among the large waves that encircle the plate are depictions of the Eight Treasures (babao) of Chinese art, symbols of good fortune. These include the wish-granting pearl; the stone chime, referring to a just and upright life; two books, as a symbol of learning, including the book for wisdom and the scroll for culture; and the mugwort leaf, for protection and prevention of disease. Plum blossoms are emblematic of perseverance and purity. The plum flower’s five petals represent the Five Blessings in Chinese tradition: old age, wealth, health, love of virtue, and a peaceful death.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Vessel
- Formatted Medium
- Famille verte porcelain with three-color (sancai)
- Medium
- famille, verte, porcelain, three-color, sancai
- Locations
- Place made: Jiangxi, China
- Dimensions
- 2 3/8 x 12 5/8 in. (6 x 32.1 cm) mount: 12 1/2 × 12 1/2 × 7 in. (31.8 × 31.8 × 17.8 cm)
- Departments
- Asian Art
- Accession Number
- 79.267.1
- Credit Line
- Gift of Dr. David Kenne
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- This item is not on view
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