Chinese or Japanese? blue white plate

Discussion in 'Pottery, Glass, and Porcelain' started by tyeldom3, Sep 2, 2016.

  1. tyeldom3

    tyeldom3 Well-Known Member

    Measures approx 12.5" diameter. Is this Chinese or Japanese? Approx age? Thanks for your time.
    b1.jpg b3.jpg b5.jpg b6.jpg
     
  2. clutteredcloset49

    clutteredcloset49 Well-Known Member

    Chinese
    Fat little boys are a symbol of something. Can't remember exactly what at the moment: fertility to carry on the family name, prosperity, good fortune. One or all of those.
     
    Mill Cove Treasures and tyeldom3 like this.
  3. Ladybranch

    Ladybranch Well-Known Member

    I have always wonder about the motif of fat little boys (children at play) on Chinese porcelain. I had never thought about looking into their symbolism, until seeing clutter's reply above. One of the 1st website's with info I found says only little boys were portrayed. Through the ages their appearances reflected the social conditions of the time changing during good/prosperous times and bad times as well as from region to region. The website says the "Children at play" "are a metaphor which alludes to continuing the family line, marital blessings and lots of kids."

    More of what it says:

    "... It also implies fun, happiness, carefree and innocence and is seen on porcelain, folk arts, in paintings and embroideries quite a lot, though not exclusively. “Children at play” never depicts girls – this is an exclusively male only club. There are many many many variations on this auspicious theme from region to region and period to period.

    "The motif goes back to the tang dynasty and this motif has changed over time through subtle changes in the imagery, reflecting the social conditions and stability of each of the various periods. During periods of declining prosperity bodies, clothing and particularly heads changed to reflect the times. Children depicted in prosperous times are more plump and carefree; scenes are livelier. In times of social unrest and/or less prosperity the imagery become more abstract and even distorted to some degree. With research and closer scrutiny it can be a useful tool in dating.

    “ '100 children' known in Chinese as '100 suns & 1000 grandsons' is another similar but a different motif and is in particular is often associated with weddings. This one peaked in popularity during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and the number of children in each scene increased significantly. Supposedly this motif refers to Zhou Wen Wang, the founder of the Zhou Dynasty who had 99 sons and adopted 1 more for an even 100!"

    http://www.antique-chinese-furnitur...-play-chinese-traditional-symbols-and-motifs/

    I know I indulge in going to far into obscure history, but thought this might be of interest.

    --- Susan
     
  4. yourturntoloveit

    yourturntoloveit Well-Known Member

    Ladybranch, it is of interest, and thank goodness you do delve into "obscure history."

    Thank you for posting that information. ;)
     
  5. tyeldom3

    tyeldom3 Well-Known Member

    Wow, that is so interesting! Thanks so much cluttered and Susan! I appreciate all the help and of course all the indulging Susan!!:)
     
Draft saved Draft deleted
Similar Threads: Chinese Japanese
Forum Title Date
Pottery, Glass, and Porcelain Help with Chinese or Japanese lidded tea bowl Mar 19, 2024
Pottery, Glass, and Porcelain chinese/japanese pottery mark Feb 22, 2024
Pottery, Glass, and Porcelain Pair of small Chinese (?) Japanese (?) porcelain vases Feb 5, 2024
Pottery, Glass, and Porcelain Antique Asian/Chinese/Japanese 10" Bowl human Body Dragon Face Dec 6, 2023
Pottery, Glass, and Porcelain Antique Very old Chinese/Japanese Handpainted Vase 14" tall Signed May 16, 2023

Share This Page