The delicately enamelled plate is in the Kakiemon manner with a form of the ‘Flaming Tortoise’, two cranes and a chrysanthemum, plum and pine around the rim, and to the centre a long-tailed bird and flowers. The border has iron red and gilt spearheads.
A similar example was shown in Stockspring Antiques Exhibition catalogue, ‘The Dragon and The Quail’, in 2000, where the ‘Flaming Tortoise’, described as living in water and with weed growing from its shell giving the appearance of flames, is allegorical of steadfastness and longevity..
Diameter 21.5 cm
Marks: None
Condition: 2.5 cm rim hairline, chips to two ‘points’ of the outer rim, and some minor rim nibbles. Slight wear to enamels.
Provenance: Ex. Howell Collection label to base
SOLD