OKS 1983-47, Dish

 
Objectnumber
OKS 1983-47
Style/decoration
Underglaze blue
Material
Porcelain
Dynasty
MING
Country
China
Period
1610-1635
Dimensions
diameter 27,5 cm
Institution
Princessehof Leeuwarden
Description

Dish with a flat, unevenly bracketed rim. On the interior in a five-pointed panel five flaming wheels with white flower centres, circling around a flaming roundel. On the well and the rim, treated as a single space, eight ogival panels filled with flower and fruit sprays, alternating with narrow panels with beaded pendants and tassels. On the exterior eight ogival panels with sprays, separated by narrow ones with lingzhi fungus.

The flaming wheels representing chakras, circling around the flaming centre are a motif derived from Buddhism. It is suggested that this unusual motif derives from Central Asia. It might also be a reference to the Five Elements, Fire, Water, Metal, Wood and Earth and their interdependency. There are five dishes in the Topkapi Saray in Istanbul with the same central decoration but a different border.

Object
Dish