Antique Chinese & Japanese PorcelainEuropean Ceramics & Works of Art
Chinese Imari charger, Kangxi (1662-1722), decorated in underglaze blue, iron red and gilt with a central roundel of chrysanthemum, surrounded by stylised blooms of chrysanthemum and lotus, the cavetto with four cartouches containing small flower heads, the wide rim with lotus and chrysanthemum against a scrolling gilt ground.
Dimensions:
Diameter: 31.5cm.
Notes:
The chrysanthemum is one of the ‘four flowers of the seasons’ and represents autumn. It is famously mentioned in the Zhou Dynasty Book of Rites, which tells of the fourth century BC Chinese Poet Tao Yuan Ming, who refused a position in the government and returned to his garden, stating that he preferred picking chrysanthemums and getting drunk with friends to high office. Consequently, the flower has come to symbolise an easy-going lifestyle and joviality. Meanwhile, prunus blossom is considered the national flower of China, with each of its five petals representing a people: Chinese, Manchu, Mongol, Muhammedan and Tibetan.
Guest & Gray 58 Davies StreetLondonW1K 5LP
