A pair of inscribed and dated blue and white quatrefoil dishes, Jiaqing underglaze blue six-character marks and of the period
Lot 395. A pair of inscribed and dated blue and white quatrefoil dishes, Jiaqing underglaze blue six-character marks and of the period (1796-1820); 6 3/8 in. (16.1 cm.) wide. Estimate GBP 50,000 - GBP 80,000.Price realised GBP 85,250. © Christie's Images Ltd 2012
The interior of each lobed dish is inscribed with an imperial poem dated to the cyclical year of dingsi, corresponding to 1797. The inscriptions are encircled by bands of lotus scroll, and the exterior of the dishes are similarly decorated.
Note: This poem which has been translated by S. W. Bushell (Oriental Ceramic Art, London, 1981, p. 239) as:
Finest tribute tea of the first picking
And a bright full moon prompt a line of verse.
A lively fire glows in the bamboo stove,
The water is boiling in the stone griddle,
Small bubbles rise like ears of fish or crab.
Or rare Ch'i-ch'iang tea, rolled in tiny balls,
One cup is enough to lighten the heart,
And dissipate the early winter chill.
Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art 15 May 2012. London, King Street