A Pair of Kangxi Blue and White ‘Happiness’ Plates (Shou)

Kangxi Period (1662-1722)
Porcelain, underglaze cobalt blue
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province, China
H:3.5cm x D:21.5cm

These plates are of a generous size and were formed with slightly rounded sides and flattened rims. The rims are decorated with four peony flowers at each side, peonies being an auspicious symbol representing riches, humour, love and springtime. The outer peony flowers are surrounded by an intricate trellis pattern. The inner portion of the plate develops the peony motif, this time with five peonies lining the inner wall. These are surrounded by swirling scales which lead the eye down into the centre of the bowl where the Chinese character for happiness is highlighted by a clever use of negative space.