A CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER 'MELONS' PLATE, QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

UNE ASSIETTE ROUGE LAQUE AVEC DÉCOR DE MELONS CHINE, DYNASTIE QING, 18E SIÈCLE

清 雍正-乾隆 剔红西瓜纹大盘

Description:

D 25 cm; H 2.9 cm

This finely carved cinnabar lacquer plate from the 18th century features an intricate design of overlapping melon leaves, blossoms, and stylized melon fruits rendered in high relief. The lively composition showcases the rich texture and depth characteristic of Qing dynasty craftsmanship. The reverse is similarly adorned with a floral scroll along the rim, while the base remains undecorated with a black lacquered center. A beautiful example of symbolic Chinese design, the melon represents fertility, abundance, and family prosperity.

Condition:

Overall good condition.

Additional Feature:

The plate comes with a custom-fitted wooden storage box.

Provenance & References:

Japanese private collection.

Objects of similar styles and designs can be found in the following auctions:

Sotheby’s Important Chinese Art 07 October 2015 • Hong Kong • A CINNABAR LACQUER 'GRAPES AND POMEGRANATES' BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY Lot 3766

Sotheby’s Important Chinese Art 13 September 2016 • New York • A CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER PEACH-FORM BOX AND COVER QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD Lot 348

Similar patterns can be found on a snuff bottle in the Burghley House collections: A cinnabar lacquer snuff bottle, Chinese, 1750-1850.