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Code: 241009
An attractive example of a Chinese underglaze blue dish from the late Ming period. The centre of the plate is decorated with a deer standing beneath a pine tree. There is a broad band of scrolling flowers and leaves around the rim. The back of the dish has four quickly-drawn arrangements of 'jewels' under the rim. Diameter 21.2cm (8.3")
The pine has long been seen by the Chinese as a symbol of longevity, and in combination with the deer (whose name in Chinese is a homonym for prosperity) the design can be read in Chinese to mean wishes for a long and prosperous life.
Date: Chongzhen (1628-1644)
Condition: this dish is in good condition. There is a small amount of glaze fritting at the rim, and kiln grit stuck in the glaze around the foot. No chips, cracks or restoration.