Plate on footring, flat slightly upturned rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with a carp leaping out of foaming waves, clouds in the sky. On the rim two dragons each chasing a flaming pearl. On the reverse of the sides continuous foaming waves. On the base the six-character mark Chenghua in a double circle. Carp, which swim against the current and up waterfalls in order to reach their goal, symbolise unflinching perseverance, particularly for Chinese students preparing for an examination. Thus, porcelain with such a representation was presented to students either before or after an exam. In this context, the dragons chasing pearls symbolise the struggle for purity and insight.