Chinese Famille Verte Charger

Ref: W946

Chinese famille verte charger Kangxi(1662-1722) beatifully decorated in famille verte enamels with a court scene, the four central figures on a terrace of a large pavilion, surrounded by various courtiers some playing musical instruments, all within an elaborate border with panels of auspicious objects reserved on a floral diaper ground, the reverse with an artemisia leaf mark within a double circle.

Dimensions:

35cm

Condition:

Repaired

Notes:

This plates is depicting a scene from the legend of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang visiting the Moon Palace. According to folklore, on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival in August, Emperor Xuanzong was enjoying the moonlight in the palace. After several rounds of drinks, he had a sudden whim and summoned the Taoist master Ye Fashan. He asked if there was a way to visit the Moon Palace. Ye Fashan then cast a spell, conjuring a silver bridge that led straight to the Moon Palace, and took the emperor to the “Palace of Clear and Cold Serenity.” Inside the Moon Palace, celestial maidens were singing and dancing. Xuanzong memorized the tune and, upon returning to the palace, named it the Melody of the Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Dress, which became widely popular.