Pair of Chinese Imari Chargers, Kangxi (1662-1722),

Ref: JB70

Pair of Chinese Imari chargers, Kangxi (1662-1722), painted in underglaze blue, iron red and gilt with a central Buddhist wheel shape roundel, surrounded scrolling chrysanthemum and lotus which cover the wide rims

Dimensions Diameter: 31.5cm

Condition:

chips

Notes:

The chrysanthemum is one of the ‘four flowers of the seasons’ and represents autumn. It is famously mentioned in the Zhou Dynasty Book of Rites, which tells of the fourth century BC Chinese Poet Tao Yuan Ming, who refused a position in the government and returned to his garden, stating that he preferred picking chrysanthemums and getting drunk with friends to high office. Consequently, the flower has come to symbolise an easy-going lifestyle and joviality. Meanwhile, prunus blossom is considered the national flower of China, with each of its five petals representing a people: Chinese, Manchu, Mongol, Muhammedan and Tibetan.