Antique Chinese & Japanese PorcelainEuropean Ceramics & Works of Art
Pair of Chinese 'Eight Horses' blue and white plates, Kangxi (1662-1722), decorated in the centre with the 'Eight Horses of Wang Mu' grazing in a mountainous landscape below a willow tree, the border with a continuous rockwork and foliage, diameter: 8 3/4in., 22.1cm; condition: one with a small chip to underside of rim, minute frits. The 'Eight Horses of Wang Mu' was a popular motif decorating porcelain pieces from the Transitional through to the Yongzheng periods. The story originates from a historical romance, the Mu tianzhi zhuan, an account of King Mu (1023 B.C. - 957 B.C.) of the Zhou dynasty. It is said that King Mu travelled around his kingdom in a chariot drawn by eight horses in search of the heavenly paradise. The eight horses were all given a distinctive name and were eventually let out to graze after many years of faithful service to the King. This pattern was also copied by Derby in the late 18th century. SOLD
Guest & Gray 58 Davies StreetLondonW1K 5LP
