Pair of Chinese Canton Enamel Saucer Dishes, Qianlong (1736-95)

Ref: W34

Archive item - not for sale

Pair of Chinese canton enamel saucer dishes, Qianlong (1736-95), each decorated in the centre with a landscape scene containing the three gods of the Sanxing ('three stars'): Shou (壽) stading on the left, with a high domed head and leaning on a staff, offering a peach to the small boy held by Fu (福), while Lu (祿), depicted in Mandarin dress, looks on; all within bands of scrolling lotus in enamel and gilt to the rims, the reverse with three sections of scrolling lotus in pink enamel with a central spray to the base.

Dimensions:

Diameter: 11.3cm. (4 ½ in.)

Condition:

Stresslines and one with tiny starcrack with minor loss to front and reverse.

Notes:

The three star gods represent different heavenly bodies in traditional Chinese astrology and also embody good fortune, making them a popular choice of statue for local temples and family shrines. Shou, who represents Canopus and is associated with longevity, is traditionally depicted holding a peach thought to come from the garden of the Queen Mother of the West, wife of the Jade Emperor, ruler of all Heavens. Usually depicted after Shou, Lu is the personification of Ursa Major and embodies prosperity. He is sometimes worshipped in his own right as a deity connected more specifically with the imperial examinations and academic success. The third deity, Shou, is connected with Jupiter, represents fortune, and is usually depicted in scholarly dress holding a scroll or, as seen here, a child.