Plate, Transitional period, mid 17th century. Famille verte porcelain with three-color (sancai), 6 x 32.1 cm mount: 31.8 × 31.8 × 17.8 cm. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. David W. Kinne, 79.267.1.

On this plate, fanciful horses gallop among billowing waves and plum blossoms. Interspersed among the large waves that encircle the plate are depictions of the Eight Treasures (babao) of Chinese art, symbols of good fortune. These include the wish-granting pearl; the stone chime, referring to a just and upright life; two books, as a symbol of learning, including the book for wisdom and the scroll for culture; and the mugwort leaf, for protection and prevention of disease. Plum blossoms are emblematic of perseverance and purity. The plum flower’s five petals represent the Five Blessings in Chinese tradition: old age, wealth, health, love of virtue, and a peaceful death.