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Plate

Asian Art

On View: Asian Galleries, West, 2nd floor (China)
On this plate, fanciful horses gallop among billowing waves and plum blossoms. Interspersed among the large waves that encircle the plate are depictions of the Eight Treasures (babao) of Chinese art, symbols of good fortune. These include the wish-granting pearl; the stone chime, referring to a just and upright life; two books, as a symbol of learning, including the book for wisdom and the scroll for culture; and the mugwort leaf, for protection and prevention of disease. Plum blossoms are emblematic of perseverance and purity. The plum flower’s five petals represent the Five Blessings in Chinese tradition: old age, wealth, health, love of virtue, and a peaceful death.
MEDIUM Famille verte porcelain with three-color (sancai)
  • Place Made: Jiangxi, China
  • DATES mid 17th century
    DYNASTY late Ming or early Qing dynasty
    PERIOD Transitional period: Kangxi or earlier
    DIMENSIONS 2 3/8 x 12 5/8 in. (6 x 32.1 cm) mount: 12 1/2 × 12 1/2 × 7 in. (31.8 × 31.8 × 17.8 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Asian Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 79.267.1
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Dr. David Kenne
    EXHIBITIONS
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Asian Galleries, West, 2nd floor (China)
    CAPTION Plate, mid 17th century. Famille verte porcelain with three-color (sancai), 2 3/8 x 12 5/8 in. (6 x 32.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. David Kenne, 79.267.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 79.267.1_PS9.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 79.267.1_PS9.jpg., 2019
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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     <em>Plate</em>, mid 17th century. Famille verte porcelain with three-color (sancai), 2 3/8 x 12 5/8 in. (6 x 32.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. David Kenne, 79.267.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 79.267.1_PS9.jpg)