9.
A ‘BLUE AND WHITE’ DISH
Ming dynasty, second half of the 16th century
26,7 cm diam
Mark …..
Naples, Villa della Floridiana, Museo Duca di Martina, collezione Placido de Sangro (1829-1891).
inv. n. 3532.
The well with a ground of geometric patterns and a large ogivated medallion with a qilin amidst stylized clouds; the rounded wall with three lobed cartouches with hares alternating with other three with a pomegranate, all reserved on the same geometric modules.
The qilin is a very popular mythical beast in Chinese culture and arts. It is traditionally depicted with the body of a deer, the head of a dragon with two horns, hooves and a bushy tail. Its symbolism is highly positive, as qilin rapresents good luck, virtue, wisdom, longevity and happiness. According to legends, its appearance heralds a period of prosperity and good governance.
According to a Daoist legend, a hare (tuzi) would live on the moon, and together with the goddess Chang’e would prepare an elixir of immortality.
The pomegranate (shiliu) is usually associated with fecundity because of its numerous seeds. This symbolism is further reinforced by the homophony of the first character shi of its name with another character meaning “generations”.
