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

Ref: W787

Chinese blue and white saucer, Kangxi (1662-1722), with a deep well and foliate rim, decorated in underglaze cobalt blue to the centre with a large crab within a narrow double circle, the wide rim with four swimming carp, all amongst shells and fronds of various aquatic plants and seaweeds, the reverse with a conch shell and various flowers and foliate sprays.

Dimensions:

Diameter: 20.3 cm. (8 in.)

Condition:

Small firing fault to centre (see image)

Notes:

Fish symbolise wealth in China, as the character yu (魚, fish) is homophonous with yu (裕, abundance). They commonly feature in New Year celebrations, either as a dish or decorative motif, to encourage prosperity for the family in the coming months. As a motif within ceramic design, fish and waterweeds was popularised during the Yuan period, and appears on many exquisite Yuan blue and white wares.