Kom – Porselein – Kangxi – Blue and white

A blue and white bowl with various Taoist symbolic decorations. Kangxi period (1661-1722), ca. 1700-1720, China. The low bowl with interesting convex centre and flared wall. Inside showing four figures representing Lan Caihe holding a ruyi and a flower basket, slung on a hoe (ancient farming tool) over the shoulder. The convex centre surrounded by a band showing the Eight Treasures (pearl, rhinoceros horn, shell, fishes, never-ending knot, books and a coral stick). The outside with a band of Wan or Swastika’s in relief with the recess background cleverly showing the biscuit of the porcelain. Underneath the upper swastika band showing the Flowers of the Four Seasons. Underneath the flowers a band of ruyi heads, the bowl resting on a high footring with concave centre. About Lan Caihe: Lan Caihe is one of the eight Taoist immortals and the patron saint of florists and gardeners. Sometimes portrayed as a woman, other times as a hermaphrodite, Caihe is a symbol of elusive pleasure and represents innocence and happiness. It is said Lan Caihe wandered the streets as a beggar in worn clothing and with one foot bare, denouncing the elusive pleasures of this fleeting life. About the Eight Treasures: Also known... lees verder bij Catawiki