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Lot Essay
The "Carp and Dragon Transformation" motif is a distinctive decorative pattern seen on Qing Dynasty ceramics, symbolizing the legendary ascent of the carp over the dragon gate. As noted in the Confucius Family Sayings, when Confucius had a son, Duke Zhao of Lu presented him with a carp as a gift, which led to the child being named Li, with the courtesy name Boyu. Additionally, the Shuoyuan recounts the story: "In ancient times, a white dragon descended into a cold abyss and transformed into a fish." This motif was particularly popular during the early Qing period, characterized by a style that defines the era. It often represented the aspiration for success in the imperial examinations and rapid advancement in life.
This type of elevated-footed dish first appeared during the Kangxi reign and was also produced during the Qianlong period, with surviving examples mostly limited to these two reigns and virtually absent thereafter. Such vessels were likely commissioned for use at the imperial court, distinguishing them from the more common official kiln wares.
Similar examples include one depicted in Beauty of Ceramics, vol. 3: Blue and White Porcelain, Taipei, 1993, plate 153. For earlier prototypes, refer to a Kangxi reign-marked tazza in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, featured in Illustrated Catalogue of Ch’ing Dynasty Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, vol. 1, 1980, plate 15.
This type of elevated-footed dish first appeared during the Kangxi reign and was also produced during the Qianlong period, with surviving examples mostly limited to these two reigns and virtually absent thereafter. Such vessels were likely commissioned for use at the imperial court, distinguishing them from the more common official kiln wares.
Similar examples include one depicted in Beauty of Ceramics, vol. 3: Blue and White Porcelain, Taipei, 1993, plate 153. For earlier prototypes, refer to a Kangxi reign-marked tazza in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, featured in Illustrated Catalogue of Ch’ing Dynasty Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, vol. 1, 1980, plate 15.