The fancifully painted molded deep dish delicately potted with a
fine glaze,
having a central roundel with a phoenix in flight*
amongst peonies and scrolling leaves within a double blue line,
the
cavetto and rim molded in eight swirling panels,
the panels also
separated by double blue lines and painted with further peonies and
scrolls
alternating with monkeys seated in tree branches, eating
peaches**;
the verso
generously painted with peony sprays between a single blue edge line
and four
blue lines at the footrim, centering an underglaze blue
lotus flowerhead within concentric
circles; bearing a paper label
stating
“after a European silver model”, and another for “SHERWOOD
COLLECTION”
(Some of the export in the Mottahedeh Collection also bore the
Sherwood label verso)
Ref :
A plate of identical form and
decoration, with variation only in rim flora
is illustrated, Masterpieces
of Chinese Export Porcelain, Howard and Ayers, p. 35, Pl. 18,
where it is described :
"A fine and characteristic example of K'ang
Hsi cobalt-blue
and (white) style of painting. The
plate imitates a common European silver form,
which may however have been transmitted by
way of an intermediary in delftware."
(Scroll down for illustration)
*Phoenixes are common in Chinese
decoration and symbolize the Empress, and as they are
supposed to preside over the South, represent the warmth of the sun
and summer harvest.
** Less common are monkeys eating
peaches, which refers to the legend that a monkey stole he peaches
of Immortality from the garden on Xi Wangmu, Queen Mother of the
West". (from a 16th century novel)
Condition : Excellent, with a few minor rim and footrim nicks, and
characteristic
glaze skips – all quite appropriate to age and usage
8.5” Diameter
SOLD
#6746
PLEASE INQUIRE |