Chinese Porcelain Plate, ca. 1900

Famille Rose Chinese Porcelain Plate, Made Circa 1900. Hand-Decorated and in Perfect Condition

A stunning antique Chinese porcelain plate, completely original and made around the year 1900. This is a very special piece due to its beautiful and colorful decoration, characteristic of Famille Rose porcelain pieces. Its excellent condition is also worth noting: the porcelain is almost intact, with no cracks, hairlines, or chips. The plate is both striking and delicate, with its entire upper surface decorated. The scene depicted features two mythological animals typical of Chinese culture: the dragon and the phoenix.

The dragon on the right side of the plate is red and has a fierce expression, with a stretched-out serpentine body and spread claws. It is a four-clawed dragon, indicating that this plate likely belonged to a high-ranking dignitary (the five-clawed dragon, a symbol of good luck, was reserved for pieces belonging to the imperial family). The phoenix facing it symbolizes the rebirth of life from the ashes: in one of its wings, it holds a beautiful white lotus flower, which in Buddhism represents purity and is traditionally associated with divinity.

The two creatures are beautifully rendered against a light blue background adorned with large-leaved plants. Surrounding it, a yellow border decorated with pink and green flowers frames the composition and adds even more color to the scene. If we turn the plate over, on its reverse side we find four full-color lotus flowers, geometrically inspired and of great beauty. The base of the plate bears the kiln mark that identifies this piece as handcrafted: it is the brownish hue visible on the porcelain where the heat of the kiln darkened it during firing.

The captivating beauty and symbolism of this plate's decoration make it a magnificent piece that will stand out in even the finest collection of Oriental porcelain.

Dimensions: Diameter: 24.5 cm.