Plate (2) - Porcelain - Kangxi

Height 37 mm, diameter 225 mm
1 plate nailed 1 plate glued
see photos
Shipping costs to be paid by the buyer

Bowls on a pedestal with a straight underglaze lip with a brown rim (jia mangkou). Decorated with underglaze blue and famille verte enamel, iron red, black enamel and gold with a blooming tree in a central round medallion surrounded by a spearhead border. On the sides four cartouches filled with flowering plants and flanked by half floral heads, set on a stylized, leaf-rich ground with a few flower heads. At the rim four groups of blooming chrysanthemums and lotus plants amid a stylized water scene. On the back two peony sprays.

Tree worship was widespread in ancient times throughout China, as is evidenced for a long time by people's reluctance to cut trees near temples and graves. Often the shrine of a local god was placed at the roots or in the fork of a tree that was remarkable for its size and beauty. It was believed that the soul of the god lives in the tree, which is therefore sacred. If it was unearthed or cut down, the person who did it risked dying. There are many references in Chinese literature to trees that bleed and cries of pain or outrage when they are cut down. A strip of red cloth or paper is often attached to a tree to protect it from the spirits of evil, who always avoid that specific color of happiness and good fortune. (Williams 1976, pp.407-408)
FURTHER NOTE: GIFT VALUE IS AROUND 1500 euros!!! (see photo no. 2)