A Kangxi Period (1662-1722) Scholar's Examination Dish
$1,200.00
From our Chinese Blue and White Collection, an interesting so-called "Scholar's Examination Dish,” Kangxi Period (1662-1722), decorated in a slightly greyish underglaze blue, depicting a leaping carp juxtaposed against a fierce dragon clutching at the flaming pearl of wisdom, with wave shaped aquatic motifs on the border, and a square fu character on the reverse.
We have not researched the symbolism of this particular piece ourselves, but we are told by a colleague that the leaping carp struggling upstream at Longmen Falls signifies the student in his or her endeavors struggling to pass exams, with the dragon motif here symbolizing the attainment of wisdom and stature through the successful passage of those exams.
Size and Condition: 8 inches in diameter, 1 inch deep, 2-3 minor rim frits, some insignificant small chips to footrim.