Antique Chinese & Japanese PorcelainEuropean Ceramics & Works of Art
Rare Chinese five colour dish, early Kangxi (1662-1722) well decorated with a scene from the ‘Romance of the Western Chamber’ with a double foot rim indicative of an early Kangxi date. Diameter: 10.3/4 in.; 27.3 cm. The double foot rim and the fact that the enamels used are more typical of those generally used slightly earlier in the 17th century and indicates a date of about 1660.This particular scene shows Zhang Sheng climbing over a courtyard wall in order to read a love poem to Cui Yingying, who is under her mother’s watchful eye.Due to Yingying’s outstanding beauty, she comes to the attention of Sun the Flying Tiger, a local band who lays siege to the local monastery in order to acquire Yingying as his consort. Yingying’s mother offers the hand of her daughter to anyone who can drive the bandits away. Her lover, Zhang Sheng contacts his childhood friend General Du, who subdues the bandits. However, Yingying’s mother goes back on her word and lies to Zhang Sheng saying her daughter is already betrothed. Yingying’s maid, Hong Niang, ingeniously arranges to bring them together in a secret union. Her mother capitulates and allows the lovers to be married. The source of inspiration for the Romance of the Western chamber comes from the story of Yingying written by Yuan Zhen in the Tang dynasty. In the Yuan Wang Shifu version, the story has a happier ending. It is interesting to note that at one point in time this story was considered to be immoral. Condition: ‘hair-line’ rim crack and frits to the rim. SOLD
Guest & Gray 58 Davies StreetLondonW1K 5LP
