Chinese Antique underglazed blue and white plate, Kangxi period #2168

Chinese Antique underglazed blue and white plate, Kangxi period #2168

A large blue and white plate with figure decoration from "The Romance of the West Chamber (西厢记 - 拷红)".  Back with Chenghua mark. Kangxi period 1662-1722. 

Condition:

Checked with UV Light. Very nice condition. Some minor micro fritting's to the rim. General wear, scratches and manufacturing flaws. See pictures.  

Friendly reminder: You are buying an antique object, not a new or unused item. In addition to the major flaws mentioned in above condition report, you can expect to find insignificant micro nicks/fritting’s, wear and other traces of usage. If you need additional pictures or information, please contact us in advance.

Measurements:

Diameter: 26,4 cm

Weight: 628 g

"The Romance of the West Chamber – The Interrogation of Hong Niang (西厢记 - 拷红)"

The scene “Interrogation of Hong Niang - 拷红”, depicted on this plate is taken from Wang Shifu’s (Yuan Dynasty, 1234-1368) famous play The Romance of the Western Chamber. The play tells the story of a young scholar named Zhang Sheng who goes to the capital city to take the highest imperial examination. During his stay in a temple, he meets Cui Yingying, daughter of the Prime Minister and immediately falls in love with her.

Soon, a group of robbers besiege them. Yingying’s mother declares that she will marry off her daughter to whoever saves them. Zhang Sheng manages to do that with his friend’s help. But Yingying’s mother refuses to keep her words because Zhang is a poor scholar. However, Yingying and Zhang Sheng’s love is so strong that, with the help of Hong Niang, Yingying’s maid, the couple breaks the traditional barrier.

The scene Interrogation of Hong Niang (拷红)

Yingying’s servant Hongniang helped and facilitated the meeting between the two lovers Zhang Sheng and Yingying in secret, but was discovered by Madam Cui (Yingying’s mother), who summoned Hongniang for interrogation and accused her of tarnishing the reputation of the family. Hongniang argued that it was all caused by Madam Cui not keeping her promise regarding the marriage, and finally Madam Cui had no choice but to agree to the marriage.

 The picture depicted on the plate shows Yingying’s mother Madam Cui sitting on a chair with a stick in her hand interrogating Hong Niang who is kneeling before her.