Dish - Glazed stoneware with pseudo-calligraphic apotropaic decoration.

Glazed stoneware plate with pseudo-calligraphic apotropaic decoration, southern China, late Qing / early Republican period (ca. 1880–1920)

Refined Chinese stoneware with a compact paste, covered by a soft, slightly irregular gray-celadon glaze typical of popular productions in southern China from the late Qing dynasty to the early decades of the Republic. The decoration, executed with brush and underglaze oxides, stands out for its strong expressive and symbolic character: at the center of the cavetto, there is a pseudo-calligraphic circular sign, drawn with a free and spontaneous gesture, interpretable as an abstract motif with apotropaic and auspicious value, designed to evoke protection, harmony, and good fortune. The rim is animated by broad, flowing scrolls and sinuous lines, inspired by calligraphy but used decoratively and energetically, following a common practice in regional kilns intended for domestic and ritual use. The back is fully glazed and shows drips, micro-iron inclusions, signs of detachment from the firing support, and slight irregularities, elements that attest to authentic handcrafted production, far from court standards but of notable expressive quality. The overall aesthetic is spontaneous and intense, where the painterly gesture assumes a symbolic as well as ornamental function.
The condition is good and consistent with the age, showing normal signs of use, minor edge imperfections, and traces of cooking that enhance its authenticity and collectible interest within the realm of Oriental Antiques.

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