Pair of plaques

anonymous, 1600 - 1699

These plaques, possibly used as table tops, are covered with auspicious symbols: the butterfly represents a long life, and the magpie joy, while the blossoming plum tree and bamboo signify life force. The cloisonné enamel technique flourished in China from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) onwards. Copper wire soldered onto the copper ground created the outlines of the design; these spaces were then filled with coloured glass paste, which melted and flowed when heated.

  • Artwork typeplaque
  • Object numberAK-MAK-1165-A
  • Dimensionsdiameter 64.3 cm x depth 2 mm

Identification

  • Title(s)

    • Pair of plaques
    • Plaque

  • Object type

  • Object number

    AK-MAK-1165-A

  • Description

    Ronde plaque

Creation

  • Creation

    anonymous, China

  • Dating

    1600 - 1699

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Material and technique

  • Dimensions

    diameter 64.3 cm x depth 2 mm

Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    On loan from the Royal Asian Art Society in The Netherlands (Westendorp-Osieck bequest, 1968)

  • Copyright

    Public domain

  • Provenance

    …; collection of Herman Karel Westendorp (1868-1941), Amsterdam, 1941;{Note RMA.} his widow Betsy Westendorp-Osieck (1880-1968), Amsterdam, by whom bequeathed to the Vereniging van Vrienden der Aziatische Kunst, 1968;{note RMA.} from whom on loan to the museum, 1972

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