Chinese blue and white dish for the Islamic market, Kangxi (1662-1722), circa. 1670

Chinese blue and white dish for the Islamic market, Kangxi (1662-1722), circa. 1670, painted to the central roundel with a cruciform design interspersed with lotus heads and palmettes, the wide cavetto with dense leafwork and pomegranates, the rim with a scrolling floral garland, the base with six leafy motifs and a channelled footrim.

Diameter: 36.5cm. (14 5/16in.)

Condition: Broken in 6 pieces and restored to a high standard.

Notes: This radial design reflects Islamic ceramic tastes, and such examples often incorporate cruciform patterns. Interestingly, the use of pomegranate in design and its association with fertility is shared by both Islamic and Chinese cultures: according to Middle Eastern tradition, new brides smash pomegranates on the ground with the number of seeds expelled corresponding to the number of children she would bear, while in China the Buddha is often depicted with the fruit in his hands to represent an abundance of offspring.

Dimensions

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report

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