27.
A ‘BLUE AND WHITE’ BOWL
Ming dynasty, Wanli period
7,8 x 16,7 cm
Provenance: Naples, Villa della Floridiana, Museo Duca di Martina, Placido de Sangro (1829-1891) collection.
inv. n. 3806.
The interior with lotus flower scrolls; the exterior with a band of lappets near the base and a frieze of ruyi head just below a band with two pairs of confronting phoenixes.
Phoenix (fenghuang) is the king of birds. Usually associated with women and in particular with the Empress, its appearance is related to the beginning of a righteous and wealthy reign.
The lotus (lianhua) is one of the Eight Buddhist Emblems, bajixiang, and a widespread symbol of purity because it rises from muddy waters.
The auspicious ruyi-heads represent the wish for longevity.
