KANGXI 1662 – 1722. Famille Verte Porcelain.
A Famille Verte Chinese Export Porcelain Model of a Standing Boy, Kangxi Period c.1680-1690. Modelled Holding a Vase of Lotus, with Painted Lotus, Buddhist Emblems and Fabric Designs.
SOLD
- Condition
- Very good, minor small losses to the lotus.
- Size
- Height : 27.6 cm (10 3/4 inches).
- Provenance
- N/A
- Stock number
- 21118
Photos
Information
This Famille Verte model is undoubtedly Export Porcelain, however the meaning conveyed by a boy holding lotus would have been lost to a Western audience. Lotus was used as a symbol of purity as well as fertility, growing out of muddy water its blooms looked all the purer, the flowers and seed-heads are often used to symbolise a multitude of offspring. Boys among lotus are recurring theme among Song ceramics. For social, religious, as well as economic reasons boys were what families hoped and indeed prayed for. In China, porcelain, bronze and pottery figures of boys were used at family alters. In 17th century Europe such figures would have been seen as exotic amusing curios from the other side of the world, perfect for decorating a Chinoiserie room.