Kangxi Grand Plate - Ceramic - China - Kangxi (1662-1722)

Grand Chinese porcelain plate in polychrome – Attributed to Kangxi - Five-clawed imperial dragon – Kangxi mark – China, Qing dynasty - Attributed to Kangxi

Description

Important circular Chinese porcelain plate with a polychrome decoration, featuring a spectacular five-clawed dragon evolving among tumultuous waves, clouds and flames.

The decoration, particularly abundant and dynamic, combines emerald green, iron red, blue and delicate pinkish nuances, highlighted by remarkable black enamel line drawing.

The dragon, a major figure in Chinese imperial iconography, traditionally symbolizes power, sovereign authority, prosperity and celestial forces.

The composition is distinguished by the precision of the scale treatment, the vigorous expression of the dragon’s head, its long whiskers, horns and outstretched claws.

The reverse presents a polychrome decoration of shells and red ribbons, as well as an imperial mark of six blue characters under glaze, inscribed in a double circle:

大清康熙年製 — Da Qing Kangxi Nian Zhi

“Made during the reign of Kangxi of the Great Qing dynasty.”
For us, this remains an attribution and the buyer bears responsibility thereafter.
No publication or exhibition.

This mark refers to the reign of Emperor Kangxi (1662-1722). It constitutes an important element of the stylistic identification of the object, serving by itself to confirm a manufacture during this period.

Historical context: the great Chinese cuisine and exports to Europe

Under the Qing dynasty, place settings and dining ware occupied an essential role in Chinese culture, particularly within great aristocratic houses, official banquets and prestigious receptions.

Large porcelain pieces participate in a true gastronomic mise-en-scène, where the presentation of dishes accompanies the refinement of culinary preparations.

Thus, large circular dishes can fulfill a double function, both utilitarian and decorative, serving to present dishes or to adorn interiors.

Meanwhile, the 17th and 18th centuries correspond to a considerable expansion of the Chinese porcelain trade to Europe.

European East India Companies organized the import of large quantities of porcelain destined for royal courts, the aristocracy and leading bourgeois families.

These imports include both dinner services and large presentation dishes, vases and ornamental pieces.

European fascination with Chinese porcelain contributed to the development of a lasting taste for East Asian arts, particularly in France, the Netherlands and England.

Through its imposing format and rich decoration, this dish is part of this great tradition of prestige Chinese porcelains, which sparked genuine fascination among European collectors.

Decor and symbolism

The five-clawed dragon is the main subject of this composition.

Historically associated with imperial majesty, it appears here amidst a swirling movement of waves, clouds and flames.

The representation combines several favorable symbols: the dragon’s power, the energy of the waters and celestial influences.

The contrast between green enamels, iron red and blue-toned hues gives the whole an outstanding decorative intensity.

Reference to Millon Paris

This large plate has been deposited with Millon Paris auction house, Paris, by a deposit form dated April 7, 2026, file Q1414.

The document notably includes the following designation:

“CHINA, To be determined – Grand Kangxi Plate”

Stock reference: Q1414-0003.

Indicative estimate stated on the deposit form: €4,000 to €6,000.

This estimate was communicated as part of the deposit and remains subject to the final evaluation by an expert or a clerk of the auction house, in accordance with the information on the document.
The sale having been canceled, only this deposit document remains.
A photograph of the deposit form accompanies the presentation of the lot for information.
This large plate is part of a set of about ten plates and dishes that will go on sale on CataWiki shortly!

Characteristics

• Origin: China
• Reference dynasty: Qing
• Mark: Kangxi, six blue characters under glaze
• Material: polychrome glazed porcelain
• Decoration: five-clawed dragon, waves, clouds and flames
• Reverse: shell motifs and ribbons
• Shape: large circular plate
• Documentary reference: Millon Paris, file Q1414, April 2026
• Indicative deposit estimate: €4,000 to €6,000

Conclusion

A remarkable decorative Chinese plate characterized by the imposing representation of the imperial dragon, the richness of its polychrome palette and the attention to detail.

A piece representative of the fascination with Chinese porcelain and its importance in the history of table arts and artistic exchanges between China and Europe.