清康熙 景德鎮窯青花開光仕女花卉紋盤|Plate with cartouches of women and plants

Art Historical Context

This delicate porcelain plate, crafted during the Kangxi period (1662–1722) of China's Qing dynasty, exemplifies the of Jingdezhen kiln production—the imperial porcelain capital renowned worldwide. Measuring just 6½ inches, it features underglaze cobalt blue decorations within reserved cartouches (kaiguang depicting elegant ladies (shinü) amid blooming flowers. These motifs evoke refinement and harmony, common in Kangxi wares that blended Ming dynasty revival with innovative finesse. Jingdezhen porcelain painters applied cobalt oxide directly onto the unfired clay body, then covered it with a transparent glaze before high-temperature firing. This underglaze technique yielded vibrant blues impervious to wear, making pieces ideal for both daily use and export. Kangxi reign marked a golden era for blue-and-white (qinghua) ceramics, with imperial kilns producing millions of items that symbolized prosperity and cultural sophistication. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1918, this plate now graces the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Asian Art collection. It offers a glimpse into 17th-century Chinese aesthetics, where floral abundance and poised female figures celebrated nature's beauty and societal grace, bridging utility and artistry for discerning collectors today.