Sold Ceramics - Sold Kraak Porcelain wares 1570-1645 - Dishes - Page 2

Object 2011243

Small dish

China

1595-1645

Height 30 mm (1.18 inch), diameter of rim 145 mm (5.71 inch), diameter of footring 81 mm (3.19 inch), weight 126 grams (4.44 ounce (oz.))

Small dish on footring, everted and scalloped rim. Some kiln sand adhering to the footring. The meisande, or petalled, style decoration in underglaze blue with a cricket, emblem of courage and symbol of summer, perched on a rock next to a flowering peony, king of flowers, symbol of spring, with clouds and two other flying insects, encircled by an eight pointed scalloped medallion. On the sides eight round, or onion shaped, medallions decorated with peach, and auspicious symbols. In between each medallion a single looped bow. On the reverse eight broad panels with symbols or jewels and lines.

According to Rinaldi this dish can be classified as a border VIII dish. In Border VIII dishes rims are always straight with a slightly flared and foliated edge. The panels on the gently curved cavetto are transformed into round or drop-shaped medallions. These are separated from the usual eight pointed centre medallion by thickly drawn brackets. Dishes of this type are usually small (from 13 to 20 cm in diameter). Auspicious symbols have become the most common decoration in the centre medallions, but floral motifs or animal appear as well. The grasshopper emerges as a favourite decoration. The underside is divided into sections by a single line bifurcated near the footring. Each section contains stylized symbols or jewels and dots. (Rinaldi 1989, pp.109-111)

The central design depicted on this saucer is of the 'spring time and longevity' theme that was popular in the Ming dynasty. It is portrait by a landscape of rock, insects (e.g. bees, butterflies, crickets, cicadas) and flowers (e.g. camellia, sunflower, rose, chrysanthemum, peony). The insects are vibrant life forms; a rock stands for longevity; and the flowers are spring blossoms. Altogether, the design expresses a wish for youth, health and longevity. (Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, pp. 238-239)

For an identically decorated dish, please see;

The Wanli Shipwreck and its ceramic cargo, (S. Sjostrand & Syed Lok Lok bt. S. Idrus, Kuala Lumpur 2007), pp. 238-239, cat. 2479.

Condition: A shallow glaze chip to the rim.

References:

Pijl-Ketel 1982, pp. 270-283

Rinaldi 1989, Pl. 108

Sjostrand & Lok Lok 2007, Serial No. 2479 & Serial No. 1440

Price: Sold.