Expert’s note: A relatively rare and noteworthy feature of the present dish is the exceptionally large seal mark, which occurred only on painted enamel wares (as opposed to porcelain or glass) during the mid-18^th century. Compare the mark on the present lot with the mark on a canton enamel plate with birds and flowers, dated mid-18^th century, 45 cm diameter, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 24.80.326.

China, c. 1750. The shallow rounded sides supported on a short foot and rising to an everted rim. Finely painted to the interior with a central medallion enclosing precious objects including three black-glazed and gilt-decorated vessels, a turquoise censer, coral branches, lotus, and a ruyi scepter. Enclosed by a gilt-framed key-fret band, encircled by lotus blossoms borne on leafy scrolling vines alternating with pairs of ribboned attributes of the Eight Daoist Immortals (anbaxian). The exterior similarly decorated with leafy floral sprays including lotus, peony, iris, and hibiscus.

Provenance: From the collection of Dr. Wou Kiuan. Wou Lien-Pai Museum, coll. no. Q.9.35 (label to base). Wou Kiuan (1910-1997) was a Chinese diplomat and noted scholar of Chinese art. His father, Wou Lien-Pai (1873-1944), was one the leading political figures of early 20th century China, remembered for his role as speaker and leader of parliament during the turbulent years of the Republican era. Dr. Wou himself embarked on an illustrious career in diplomacy until his retirement in 1952, when he settled in London and devoted the rest of his life to the study of Chinese art. It was no doubt fortuitous that Dr. Wou’s years of collecting coincided with an abundant availability of exceptional Chinese art on the London market. From the mid-1950s to the late 1960s he was able to form a collection of well over 1,000 works that together represented virtually every category of Chinese art. At the heart of Dr. Wou’s drive to collect was a burning desire to preserve the relics of China’s rich historical past scattered across Europe, and to promote Chinese art and culture. It is unclear when Dr. Wou conceived of the idea to create a place to house his collection, but in 1968 he opened the doors to the Wou Lien-Pai Museum, named in honor of his father. Over the years the Museum became a ‘must see’ destination for collectors, academics, and visiting dignitaries, and Dr. Wou would delight in leading his visitors through the galleries, recounting stories of China’s glorious history.
Condition: Good condition with minor wear and manufacturing irregularities, few small losses, minimal corrosion to rim.

Dimensions: Diameter 22.8 cm

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