42cm Large Antique Kangxi Fish, Butterflys Plate Imari Colour Chinese ca 1700 China

Out of stock

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Condition Report: / / Overall Condition; Overall Condition; only 1 hairline . Size (aprox) :42 centimete

A very nicely made dish with a beautiful decoration that is filled with all kinds of symbolism

20-11-19-24-13

Symbolism

Lotus – Lian-Hua, He – Thanks to the Buddhist influence, the lotus (or sea-rose) is of unique importance in Chinese folklore and symbolism. It is the symbol of purity and one of the eight Buddhist precious things. The lotus comes out of the mire but is not itself soiled. It is inwardly empty yet outwardly upright. It has no branches (no family/offsprings) but yet smells sweet. The words for lotus in Chinese have the same meanings as: to bind, connect (in marriage), one after the other, uninterrupted, to love, and modesty.
One of the Eight Budhist Symbols.

Peony – Mu-Dan – Queen of Flowers, the peony is a emblem of wealth and distinction.

Butterfly – joy and conjugal felicity. Butterfly is pronounced in homonym with the word die which means a 80 years old. Two butterflies together is meant a wish of “longevity”. “Die” is also pronounced similar to another word which means to “pile up” or “repeat” – and thus given the meaning “many”.

Pomegranate – Has many seeds – Stands for many children.

Fish – Yu – Fish in Chinese sounds like the word for “Abundance and Affluence” so the fish symbolizes wealth. Fish shown with a lotus blossom symbolize “Year after Year may you live in Affluence”.

The Buddha’s hand citron (Citrus chirocarpus) derives its Chinese name fo shou and the alternative English one of “finger citron” from its odd shape. It symbolises “much happiness” and is used as an offering for the altar during Chinese New Year. It’s rind is highly aromatic and believed to be demon-repelling making it highly prized. The dried peel is also thought to possess remarkable medical qualities.