A CHINESE UNDERGLAZE BLUE AND RED 'FISH' JARDINIERE

KANGXI 1662-1722

The ovoid body tapering towards the foot and with a flat everted rim, painted with a mackerel, whitefish, carp and freshwater perch swimming amidst flowers and aquatic plants, with areas of detail in copper-red, 23.5cm dia.

Provenance: from a deceased estate, Dorset.

The Chinese names of these four fish form the rebus qingbai lianjie, which may be translated as 'pure and incorruptible'. This expresses the wish for scholars to maintain high ethical standards and meet great success.

Cf. R Chen, Qing Shunzhi Kangxi Chao Qinghua Ci (Qing Dynasty Shunzhi and Kangxi Blue and White Porcelain), p.391, no.251 for a blue and white jardinière with a similar design in the collection of the Palace Museum.