T24 A “Hundred birds and phoenix” plate, Jiajing/Wanli, Ming Dynasty

Description

Description:   Chinese porcelain deep plate of fine quality, decorated with many birds (34) and other animals on the cavetto.

Dating:  17^th century, Jiajing/Wanli, Ming dynasty.

Size:  20.7 cm diameter

Provenance:  Antiquarian market

References:

Notes:  According to Terese Tse Bartholomew, Phoenix surrounded by many birds means “Hundred birds courting the phoenix” (bainiao chaohuang or bainiao chaofeng). It is also known as the hundred birds paying homage to the King (bainiao chaowang), because the phoenix is the king of birds. It is a favorite theme in Chinese paintings, decorative arts, and music.