Imperial Blue and White 'Three Friends of Winter' Dish

An exceptional imperial blue and white 'Three friends of…
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An exceptional imperial blue and white 'Three friends of Winter' dish, Qianlong mark and of the period, Qianlong period, Qing Dynasty, (1736-1795), Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795), an exceptional Qianlong Imperial porcelain. The dish's exterior is adorned with a continuous scene depicting a lady in a pavilion setting, accompanied by boys playing in the garden to one side. The intricate and lively design showcases the superb craftsmanship and artistic excellence characteristic of the Qianlong period. The 'Three friends of Winter' is a traditional Chinese motif that features the pine tree, bamboo, and plum blossom. These three plants are celebrated for their resilience and endurance during the harsh winter months and are considered symbols of steadfastness, perseverance, and integrity. Each element carries its own cultural significance: pine: the pine tree remains green throughout winter, symbolizing longevity, endurance, and steadfastness. It represents strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Bamboo: bamboo bends but does not break under heavy snow, symbolizing flexibility, humility, and perseverance. It signifies a strong yet adaptable character, able to withstand hardships. Plum blossom: the plum blossom blooms in the coldest months, symbolizing renewal, purity, and the promise of spring. It represents beauty, purity, and the triumph of hope and vitality over adversity. In Chinese Art, the 'Three friends of Winter' motif is often depicted in paintings, ceramics, textiles, and other decorative arts. It not only reflects the artistic appreciation of nature but also conveys moral and philosophical ideals highly valued in Chinese culture,, diameter 18.1 cm, height 4.3 cm. Provenance: Sotheby Parke Bernet, Hong Kong, fine Chinese ceramics, jade and bronze drums, lot 143, 13/05/1976, the Henry Litton collection

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  • Bronze - An alloy of copper and tin, traditionally in the proportions of about 9 parts of copper to 1 part of tin.

    The discovery of bronze in Western Asia in the 4th century enabled people to create metal objects which were superior to those previoulsy possible because of its strength and hardness, and it has been used throughout the world for weapons, coins, tools, statuary and other decorative items.

    It is very fluid in a molten state, and its hardness, strength when set, and non-corrosive properties makes it most suitable for casting sculpture.
  • Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.

  • Qing Dynasty - The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was established by the Manchu people, who originated from the northeastern region of China. The Qing Dynasty was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China.

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