A good Chinese late Ming dish with deer and pine tree c1620-40

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.