Dish
1821-1850 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
During the Qing dynasty Buddhism played a central role in the religious and political activities of the court. Huge fortunes were invested to construct Buddhist temples and monasteries in Beijing and across the empire, and to perform religious rituals to facilitate state affairs or to pray for the individual salvation of aristocrats and emperors at court.
Official porcelain vessels were specially commissioned for Buddhist altars. They were decorated with Buddhist symbols, and often enriched with Sanskrit, Tibetan and Mongolian inscriptions. The inscription on this saucer is written in Mongolian characters; as a daughter of the emperor Daoguang married the prince of Western Tumet, a principality of Southern Mongolia, this was probably part of a service made for her.
The decoration is composed of a lotus flower and a vajra in the centre, and with the Eight Buddhist Emblems (ba ji xiang) on the rim; the wheel of Law (lun), the conch (luo), the emblem of victory (san), the parasol (gai), the lotus (hehua), the vase (guan), the twin fish (yu), and the endless knot (panchang), each associated to a blessing. Originally from India, they were introduced into China in the early 14th century by Tibetan Buddhism, and they soon became popular decorative and auspicious motif for porcelain, textiles and cloisonné objects.
Official porcelain vessels were specially commissioned for Buddhist altars. They were decorated with Buddhist symbols, and often enriched with Sanskrit, Tibetan and Mongolian inscriptions. The inscription on this saucer is written in Mongolian characters; as a daughter of the emperor Daoguang married the prince of Western Tumet, a principality of Southern Mongolia, this was probably part of a service made for her.
The decoration is composed of a lotus flower and a vajra in the centre, and with the Eight Buddhist Emblems (ba ji xiang) on the rim; the wheel of Law (lun), the conch (luo), the emblem of victory (san), the parasol (gai), the lotus (hehua), the vase (guan), the twin fish (yu), and the endless knot (panchang), each associated to a blessing. Originally from India, they were introduced into China in the early 14th century by Tibetan Buddhism, and they soon became popular decorative and auspicious motif for porcelain, textiles and cloisonné objects.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Porcelain painted in polychrome enamels |
Brief description | Porcelain dish decorated in polychrome enamels with the lotus and Eight Buddhist symbols, Jingdezhen, China, Daoguang (1821-1850) |
Physical description | Porcelain saucer decorated in polychrome enamels and gilding with the Eight Buddhist emblems, separated by the shou (longevity) character, on the rim; outside are the seven paraphernalia of a chakravartin or universal sovereign. |
Dimensions |
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Style | |
Marks and inscriptions | 'Baraxun Tuemd' on base.
It is the name of a province in Mongolia, translates as West 10,000 (per Professor Bat-Ireedui 08/03/2006). |
Gallery label | Cup and saucer with Buddhist symbols and Mongolian script
China, Daoguang reign, 1821-50, painted with overglaze enamels and gilded
The inscription on the base refers to the Western Division, a Mongolian province.
Museum no. 799&800-1883(2009) |
Object history | Purchased from Dr. S. W. Bushell (Beijing), accessioned in 1883. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Asia Department registers, as part of a 2022 provenance research project. |
Summary | During the Qing dynasty Buddhism played a central role in the religious and political activities of the court. Huge fortunes were invested to construct Buddhist temples and monasteries in Beijing and across the empire, and to perform religious rituals to facilitate state affairs or to pray for the individual salvation of aristocrats and emperors at court. Official porcelain vessels were specially commissioned for Buddhist altars. They were decorated with Buddhist symbols, and often enriched with Sanskrit, Tibetan and Mongolian inscriptions. The inscription on this saucer is written in Mongolian characters; as a daughter of the emperor Daoguang married the prince of Western Tumet, a principality of Southern Mongolia, this was probably part of a service made for her. The decoration is composed of a lotus flower and a vajra in the centre, and with the Eight Buddhist Emblems (ba ji xiang) on the rim; the wheel of Law (lun), the conch (luo), the emblem of victory (san), the parasol (gai), the lotus (hehua), the vase (guan), the twin fish (yu), and the endless knot (panchang), each associated to a blessing. Originally from India, they were introduced into China in the early 14th century by Tibetan Buddhism, and they soon became popular decorative and auspicious motif for porcelain, textiles and cloisonné objects. |
Collection | |
Accession number | 799-1883 |
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Record created | July 14, 2006 |
Record URL |
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