ARCHAIC AND IMPERIAL CHINA
TWO MING DECORATIVE ELEMENTS FOR A BASSIN
TWO MING DECORATIVE ELEMENTS FOR A BASSIN
MING DYNASTY (AD 1368 -1644)
Object certified authentic and sold with an expert certificate. Satisfied or your money back.
Object :
Nº 792A
Material :
Glazed terracotta
Type Object :
Furniture and decoration
Dimensions :
Panel 1: Length: 47.7 cm (18.7”) – Height: 26.5 cm (10.4”) – Thickness: 12 cm (4.7”) - Panel 2: Length: 46.5 cm (18.3”) – Height: 25.5 cm (10”) – Thickness: 10.5 cm (4.1”)
Set of two rectangular panels of grey terracotta with green and yellow glaze, with an image moulded in high relief of plump children swimming half-naked in a vegetated basin. They are dressed in a simple scarf with bracelets around their wrists and ankles. One of them is wearing a short apron, the habit of children. Excellent state of preservation.
Circa the 2nd century, Buddhism imprints its mark and philosophy on the representation of the child, passing from a miniature adult to a smiling chubby toddler. This is a symbol of abundance and wealth, reminding of the children living on lotuses in the paradise of the future Maitreya Buddha, represented in China by his guise as a laughing monk with a large belly and traditionally accompanied by children. From the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279) we see the aesthetic representation of the child evolve, moving away from Buddhist criteria, making them the symbol of fertility and of good news for male offspring.
