165.
A ‘FAMILLE VERTE’ DISH
Qing dynasty, Kangxi period, early 18th century
39,8 cm diam
Apocryphal Da Ming Chenghua nianzhi six-character mark to the centre of the base.
Provenance: Naples, Villa della Floridiana, Museo Duca di Martina, Placido de Sangro (1829-1891) collection.
inv. n. 3934.
The decoration on this dish, consisting of two lions and their cub playing with a ball, is a wish for happiness and a successful career.
The introduction of the lion (shi) in the classical Chinese iconography dates back to the third century, with the diffusion of Buddhism. Lions are in fact considered fierce protector of the doctrine against evil. Usually a couple of sculptures depicting lions are arranged at the entrance of temples or public buildings. The male has a paw on the ball, which could be interpreted as a symbol of union of the opposites, while the female is represented together with a cub.
