Kangxi c.1680-1710. Miniature Blanc de Chine Porcelain Seal.
A Miniature Kangxi Blanc de Chine porcelain monkey topped seal c.1680-1710. The female is moulded in an upright position.
- Condition
- In excellent condition, one minute glaze chip to the lower front edge c.1 x 1 mm.and two more to the top edge c.1 x 1 mm or less.
- Size
- Height : 2.8 cm (1 inch)
- Provenance
- N/A
- Stock number
- 24316
- References
- For similar seal from Hinkley in the Collection See : Blanc de Chine Porcelain from Dehua (Rose Kerr and John Ayers, Art Media Resources Ltd, 2000. Item 63). For another similar blanc de chine example see : Blanc de Chine (P.J. Donnelly, Faber and Faber, 1969) Illustration 67. For a further blanc de chine seal with a monkey on top see our `Sold Items` number 17292, 24377 and 23416. The records of the sale of porcelain from the Dashwood of 1703 include numerous animals, `men on beasts` and 10,800 `square toys` (seals), the 490 `small white dogs` were priced at 1d each. For more information see : Oriental Export Market Porcelain and its Influence on European Wares (Geoffrey A. Godden, Granada, 1979.ISBN 0246110570) page 272.
Photos
Information
Monkey / Hou :
Like some many Chinese symbols the Monkey Hou is related to its meaning by word association. Hou is written and pronounced in the same way as the word for a high ranking noble, similar to a Marquis in the West. As a result monkeys are symbol of high rank, they are often shown carrying a peach to symbolise longevity. The monkey is also one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac.