Chinese Blue and White Plate, Kangxi (1662-1722)

Ref: JB64

Chinese blue and white plate, Kangxi (1662-1722), decorated in underglaze cobalt blue to the centre with gently curving lappets radiating outwards from a central spiral, encircled by two wide patterned bands; the innermost decorated with dense foliate lotus scroll, the outer band and the reverse of the dish with further scrolling foliage and large heads of hydrangea, the rim with a narrow band of half-florets.

Dimensions:

Diameter: 33.5cm. (13 3/16in.)

Condition:

Chips and hair-lines restored

Notes:

The lotus is an important emblem to both Buddhist and Daoist belief as well as representing the summer months within wider Chinese culture. As the plant’s pure white flowers grow from muddy waters, the lotus is viewed by Buddhists as a symbol of truth and purity, of the goodness of human nature which can remain unsullied by worldly temptations. The lotus also appears frequently in images related to Daoism, which shared many emblems and motifs with Buddhism; most notably as an attribute of He Xiangu, one of the Baxian (eight immortals). Meanwhile, hydrangeas mostly grow in the highlands of central and southern China and have been cultivated in imperial gardens since at least the early Ming dynasty. The flower symbolises heartfelt feelings and gratitude to others, and its name in Chinese (绣球花 xiu qiu hua ) translates to ‘embroidered ball’, referring to its full shape and bright colours.