Ref: U390
Archive item - not for sale
Rare Chinese Canton enamel saucer dish, late Qianlong (1736-95), the centre decorated with an evening party on a fenced balcony above a lake with sailing boats and an island, the shore line with rockwork and trees including pine, a mountain range in the distance below the pink moon, the foliate rim filled with floral branches of chrysanthemum and peony interspersed with black medallions, all against a lilac cellular background, the centre of the reverse with a coiled blue qilong medallion surrounded by further qilong all against an Imperial yellow background, the outer border of the reverse rim with flower heads against green and yellow scrolling leafy branches. Diameter: 10 7/16in. 26..5cm. condition: some restoration.It interesting to note the symbolism of the various element incorporated in this decoration:The moon according to Chinese culture is a popular element of Chinese astronomy. The moon represents gentleness and beautiful poetic aspirations. The full moon appears on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar and its shape represents family reunion, it is the time the Moon Festival holiday; the full moon is also auspicious of abundance and harmony. On the above dish the party on the veranda could be representing a celebration the Moon Festival.The evergreen pine with its strong trunk reaching towards the sky represents strength, longevity and virtue, its twisted branches represent adversity overcome. These properties were ascribed to the pine in The Analects of Confucius (551-479 BC) Along with the bamboo and the plum, the pine is one of the “Three Friends of Winter.”The Peony ?? is symbol of royalty, wealth and honourThe Chrysanthemum Juhua ?? is a symbol of autumn and the flower of the ninth moon. It is a symbol of longevity. During the Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), people drank chrysanthemum wine for its health giving properties on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month in order to prolong their lives. diameter: 26.5 cm.; 10 3/8 in. condiiton: repaired. SOLD
