Red-iron and underglaze-blue enamelled dish, Yongzheng (1723 - 1735)

On the base is an underglaze cobalt-blue six-character seal 大清雍正年制 (made in the Yongzheng reign of the Qing dynasty), surrounded by a double circle.

A deep dish of circular profile with a wide, flat rim, which is decorated underglaze in the centre with a scene of river 'koi' fish swimming among flowers and chasing a flaming pearl. The rim and reverse repeat the pattern of flowing water and flowers. The fish and flowers are in iron-red; the waters and the divisions for each scene, circle or double circle, are in cobalt blue.

The legend of the carp or koi fish says that those fish that managed to swim upstream despite the fierce currents to reach the waterfall and upstream were rewarded for their efforts and transformed into dragons. The representation of these animals is considered to attract fortune and is a symbol of perseverance and triumph.

In perfect condition with no breakages or restorations. 

Height: 4 cm; Diameter: 22 cm; Base diameter: 13 cm; Weight: 486 g

Provenance: 

European private collection