Blue and White “Scholar (Gaoshi) Scene” Dish, Tianqi Period, Ming Dynasty Dimensions: Diameter 14.5 cm Condition: Excellent overall condition (minor kiln burst glaze to the rim) Description: This is a characteristic example of blue and white porcelain from the Tianqi reign (1621–1627) of the Ming dynasty. The interior is decorated in underglaze cobalt blue with a figural scene. The painting style is concise yet lively. The figures embody the distinctive charm of mid-to-late Ming blue and white decoration, with particular emphasis on posture and facial expression. The landscape setting is rendered in a simplified and natural manner, effectively highlighting the central figure. During the Tianqi period, blue and white porcelain production reached a new height. Brushwork became fluid and spontaneous, and wares were created both for display and practical use. Stylistically, they retain the archaic simplicity of earlier Ming pieces while also conveying a vivid sense of everyday life. This dish comes from the Stenbeck Collection (The Stenbeck Collection) in Sweden, a collection focused on late Ming porcelain (1572–1683), particularly works from the Wanli reign and the Ming–Qing transitional period. Mr. Stenbeck, former chairman of the Swedish Oriental Ceramics Society, assembled an important group of Chinese ceramics over several decades.