164.
A ‘FAMILLE VERTE’, ‘CAFÉ AU LAIT’ AND MOULDED DISH
Qing dynasty, Kangxi period, early 18th century
24 cm diam
Provenance: Naples, Villa della Floridiana, Museo Duca di Martina, Placido de Sangro (1829-1891) collection.
inv. n. 3929.
This dish combines different decorative techniques. While the floral motifs, including the fine lotus on the bottom, are painted using enamels of the ‘Famille Verte’ palette with delicate touches of gold, the lotuses around the central medallion are carved, according to a a technique which is known with the Chinese term ankenhua (literally “hidden carvings”). The light brown ‘café au lait’ ground on the back of the wall was particularly appreciated in Europe and is instead uncommon for Jingedezhen porcelain destined to the internal market.
Lotus (lianhua) is a widespread symbol of purity and perfection, because it blooms in muddy water. It is therefore associated with Buddhism, but it also symbolizes summer, elegance and fidelity in marriage and fertility because of the many seeds of its bud.
A similar dish is in the Museum for Far Eastern Museum in Stockholm (inv. BS-1287).
