Large Rare Blue-Glazed 'Rockwork and Flowers' Dish, Qing Dynasty

This piece is a large cobalt-blue glazed dish from the Qing Dynasty(Yuan-Ming Prototype). The entire surface, including the interior and exterior walls, is coated in a rich and deep cobalt blue glaze. Characteristic signs of prolonged submersion in a marine environment are visible, including subtle loss of gloss (especially in the central and end area), a slight tackiness on the surface caused by salt exposure, and abrasion in areas where the glaze is thinner—distinct indicators of a shipwreck-recovered ceramic. The exterior wall features dark underglaze floral designs that create a unique sense of visual depth. The unglazed base reveals a white porcelain body, consistent with the typical kaolin clay from Jingdezhen used during the late Ming and early Qing periods. The rim is thin and carefully finished, and the overall proportions and decorative composition reflect a high degree of balance and refinement. It is one of the large pieces from our gallery’s Yuan-Ming Style from Qing Dynasty collection, reimagining ceramics from pre-Qing dynasties recovered from underwater.

Period : Qing Dynasty(Presumably Kangxi or Yongzheng Period)
Type : Dish
Medium : Blue glaze
Dimension : 11 cm(Height) x 51.5cm(Diameter)
Condition : Excellent(slight salt residue remains on the surface, and the glaze is worn primarily around the edges, such as the handles and rim.)
Provenance: Southeast Asia, South China Sea in early 2000s
Reference : 
1) Christies Newyork 22 MAR 2018 - The Studio of the Clear Garden: Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art - Lot 604
(Price realised : USD 732,500 / Type : related - Ming style)
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6129537 

2) Sotheby's London 4 November 2020 - Imperial Porcelain – A Private Collection - Lot 19
(Price realised : GBP 75,600 / Type : related - Yuan style)
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/imperial-porcelain-a-private-collection/a-rare-yuan-style-doucai-meiping-qing-dynasty-18th

3) Asian Art Museum, San Francisco - Object number B60P88
(Type : related - Ming style)
https://searchcollection.asianart.org/objects/7408/vase-with-dragon

4) Art Institute Chicago - Reference Number 1997.390 - Large Foliate Dish with Garden Rock and Plants
(Type : Closely related)

* Yuan-Ming Style from Qing Dynasty

During the Qing dynasty, many ceramics were produced that imitated the styles of the Ming and Yuan dynasties. This practice was not mere imitation but a creative endeavor to inherit and innovate upon past techniques and styles. Qing dynasty ceramicists mastered the exceptional techniques of Ming and Yuan ceramics and used them as a foundation to develop more advanced works. Particularly, Yuan dynasty blue and white porcelain and Ming dynasty colored ceramics significantly influenced Qing ceramics, with traditional patterns and forms deeply embedded in their creations.

Yuan-Ming prototypes were produced to meet the demand for ancient antiques from overseas. Qing dynasty artisans incorporated traditional elements while introducing innovative designs and techniques, producing unique and artistic ceramics. Thus, Qing ceramics are highly regarded for their respect for Ming and Yuan legacies while simultaneously creating new artistic expressions. This not only reinforced cultural authenticity but also played a crucial role in international trade and cultural exchanges.