NO 287, Dish

 
Objectnumber
NO 287
Style/decoration
Underglaze blue
Material
Porcelain
Dynasty
MING
Country
China
Period
1610-1635
Dimensions
diameter 21 cm
Institution
Princessehof Leeuwarden
Description

Dish with a flat, lobed rim. In a central medallion a Daoist Immortal on a large leaf above waves, a lingzhi fungus and a pine behind his head. On the well and the rim, treated as a single space, eight panels with pomegranates and flower sprays, alternating with narrow panels with beaded pendants. On the exterior similar panels with grouped dots and lingzhi fungus.

The dish gives an impression of spaciousness in the border and crowded design in the central panel. The tones of the cobalt-blue are rather contrasting. A curious feature is the very thick outline of the lingzhi fungus. This outline is also used around the fungus on a dish in the Santos Palace in Lisbon featuring an eagle on a rock and on a dish decorated with another Daoist Immortal, again around a lingzhi fungus in the Groninger Museum. In this manner the fungus is emphasized and the focus could be longevity. Immortals and other figures are often painted in the central medallion of dishes of this type.

Object
Dish