Chinese Porcelain Dish, 1950s

Fine decorative plate made of Chinese porcelain. This kind of pieces was made in China for export. The plate dates from the 1950s and is a particularly beautiful because of its delicate decoration and polychrome design. On the plate we can see three dragons, skillfully sketched and colored by the artist. The dragon is the symbol of China as a part of Asia: a mythological animal which represents the yang (male principle). The dragon is also related with the weather, being responsible for rains and water. It was formerly used as a representation of the emperor. The plate is in very good condition and has survived to the present with no broken parts, dents or cracks. Its colorful surface is very appealing, from the three dragons in red, blue and green to the outside green border (decorated with a circular design which imitates scales typical of Chinese ware). The red edge, the flower garland and the classic light blue and yellow border which surrounds the dragons are also quite remarkable. The outside green border bears a series of circles with symbols and Chinese ideograms in them. The blue and green dragons are enhanced by light strokes of black ink, which outline them and provide them with movement, while the red one is outlined with golden ochre paint. The three mythological beings are similar and they only differ by their color. They are disposed in a circular design. The background of this nice piece of porcelain is white but we can scarcely appreciate it, as it is so full of colorful decorative designs. This plate is undoubtedly a beautiful example of Eastern porcelain, perfect to decorate the most elegant shelf or to become part of a good collection of Chinese antiques. Measurements: 215 mm diameter.