Blue and white bowl; bouquet of lotus flowers at center with chased floral design at edge and waves at rim; chased flowers and geometric and organic designs on outer edge

Dish, 14th-15th century

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

Early Ming blue-and-white porcelain ranks among some of the most beautiful wares in all of China's ceramic history. This classic early 15th century example displays the so-called "lotus bouquet" motif in its center. The informal, asymmetrical arrangement of the central bouquet and the generally naturalistic treatment of the flowers here mark a stylistic break from the more formal fourteenth century style shown above.

The center is vividly decorated with a bouquet of lotus in bud and full bloom together with leaves on slender stems, seed pods, an arrowhead leaf, millet stem, and thin, rush leaves tied together with a swirling ribbon. The border is decorated with two chrysanthemums, two lotus, two roses, two peonies, a pomegranate flower, two hibiscus and two camellias. All these flowers held auspicious connotations for the Chinese.

Details
Title
Dish
Role
Artist
Accession Number
99.121.3
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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Blue and white bowl; bouquet of lotus flowers at center with chased floral design at edge and waves at rim; chased flowers and geometric and organic designs on outer edge