Chinese blue and white plate with shou character – Fujian, 19th c.

A Chinese blue and white plate with a round shou character in the centre, the Chinese symbol for longevity. Around it float precious objects on fluttering ribbons: a gourd vase, scroll paintings, a cup and a pearl, framed by a border of dots and scrolls. On the reverse two flowering branches and a two-character shop mark in blue, probably to be read as 元利 (Yuanli). This type of South Chinese provincial porcelain was made in Fujian (Dehua) in the 19th century; the plate still hangs in an old iron wire hanger. No chips, hairline cracks or restorations visible; light wear and small scratches in the glaze, a small brown spot on the inner rim; small firing flaws and iron specks on the base. The rim under the four hooks of the wire hanger cannot be assessed.