Ming Xuande Blue‑and‑White Dish with Interlocking Lotus

拍品描述

Dimensions: 17.5 cm in diameter, Xuande period, Ming Dynasty. Condition and Provenance: In perfect condition, without cracks or defects, only slight wear on the edges due to long-term use. The characteristic iron rust spots of imported cobalt blue glaze are visible under the glaze. The glaze is bright and lustrous. The foot rim exhibits a natural light reddish patina, without signs of repair or repainting. Private collection in Dallas, Texas, USA. Acquired at the New York Antique Fair in the 1980s, family heirloom, and has always been stored in a temperature-controlled private vault, never publicly exhibited or appeared at auction. Description: This Ming Dynasty Xuande blue and white lotus-patterned plate is a typical official ware of the Xuande period. The rim flares outwards, the walls are shallowly curved, and the foot rim is neatly trimmed, resulting in a symmetrical and graceful overall shape. A beautifully shaped lotus flower is painted within a double circle at the center of the plate, with layered petals and graceful vines, rendered with vigorous brushstrokes. The inner wall is surrounded by a continuous lotus pattern, with flowers arranged in a staggered manner and leaves in various postures, showcasing a rich variation in the cobalt blue pigment. The exterior is also decorated with lotus patterns that echo the interior, creating a dense yet orderly composition. The base bears the six-character reign mark "Made in the Xuande Reign of the Great Ming Dynasty" within a double blue circle, the characters vigorous and powerful, typical of Xuande imperial porcelain. This plate is painted with imported cobalt blue, presenting a vibrant and rich blue hue, with subtle iron rust spots visible in the glaze—a characteristic feature of Xuande blue and white porcelain. The glaze is thick and smooth, slightly bluish-white, and evenly distributed. The foot rim is neatly finished, revealing the natural fiery red of the exposed clay and the marks of time. The intertwined lotus pattern is the most common motif on imperial porcelain from the Yongle and Xuande periods, symbolizing purity and auspiciousness. The exquisite painting, flowing lines, and authentic reign mark together embody the magnificent aesthetics of early Ming imperial porcelain, making this a remarkably well-preserved masterpiece.

图片