A Chinese late Ming dish with scholars

Code: 230405

A Chinese late Ming dish decorated in underglaze blue and dating from the late Ming period. The dish is decorated with a scene of two scholars playing qi (Go) in a mountainous landscape. The reverse of the dish is undecorated with a single underglaze blue line within the foot rim. Diameter 17.9 cm

Accomplishment at the game of qi was one of the four arts of the Chinese scholar, together with calligraphy, painting and playing the qin (a stringed instrument). The style of decoration of this dish suggests that it was probably intended for the Japanese market.

Dating. Tianqi (1620-27)

Condition. This dish is in very good condition. There is extensive fritting of the glaze at the rim, which is commonly seen in these wares.