AN EXCEPTIONALLY FINE FAMILLE VERTE DISH WITH THREE WARRIORS...

Hammer

£60,000

AN EXCEPTIONALLY FINE FAMILLE VERTE DISH WITH THREE WARRIORS
KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)
康熙五彩“水滸傳“人物故事圖紋盤
on the white porcelain without background or border are three finely painted figures in over glaze famille verte enamels. Two are painted in martial dress with their names inscribed in small cartouches by their sides – Yang Lin and Bai Sheng – making it clear that they are heroes from the novel Shuihu Zhuan - "The Water Margin". The central figure, recognised by his fair and handsome face, long beard and fan is that of Wu Yong
20.3cm diam. 

NOTE: This is one of a series of dishes painted with scenes from the Ming novel Shuihu Zhuan usually showing three figures, varying in scale but always set against a white plain ground. In 1657 this popular novel was issued in a famous edition illustrated by the artist Chen Hongshou, who had also designed a set of forty playing cards depicting heroes from the saga in the 1640’s.

Bai Sheng was nicknamed “Daylight Rat” because he did not have a decent occupation and often squandered his time gambling. He was appointed as one of the scout leaders of the Liangshan after the “108 Stars of Destiny” came together in what was called the Grand Assembly. He campaigns against Liao invaders and rebel forces in Song territory following amnesty from Emperor Huizong.

Yang Lin, also known as "Sleek Leopard" due to his feline-like features, was a lone wanderer before joining Liangshan’s cavalry. He also became one of the leaders of Liangshan at the Grand Assembly.

Wu Yong, nicknamed “Knowledgeable Star”, was a wise scholar who became a leading strategist of Liangshan. He successfully recruited important heroes to join Liangshan and led the group to victory in many battles.

PROVENANCE: Acquired from Sotheby’s Hong Kong “Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art”, 8 October 2008, Lot 2648.

Formerly from Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 29 October 1991, Lot 232.

RELATED EXAMPLES: There are four similar dishes in the Collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, all decorated with warrior-like figures in famille verte enamels. All but one are without the cartouches giving their names: Accession No: C 1196 – 1910. A dish painted with the same three characters is illustrated in “Kangxi Porcelain Wares from the Shanghai Museum Collection”, Page 205, No 132.

More Information

Apart from a few minor pinholes – one on the rim and the others on the exterior – the overall condition is very good. The enamelling is intact with only a few light scratches.