2 PLATES . diam 23 cm.
Both plates have exactly the same design and motifs :
The 8 HORSES OF MU WANG .
In the center, we see the 8 horses , all in different positions and colours, playing in a garden under a pine-tree; the rim with a continuous mountainous landscape .
Mark: " DING " ( = brule-parfum ).
One plate is in FAMILLE VERTE, the other in BLUE / WHITE .
period : KANGXI : 1662 - 1723 .
It is absolutely remarquable and rare to see 2 identical plates , one in polychrome, the other in blue/ white !
Both in perfect condition .
The 8 Horses of Mu Wang was a very popular motif of decoration on chinese porcelain, from the Transitional period till 1800 . The story originates from a historical romance : " Mu tianzhi zhuan ",which describes the journey of the 8th emperor of the Chou dynasty ( 1023 - 983 BC) . All of the 8 horses had exceptional talents. Mu Wang traveled around his kingdom in a charriot , drawn by those 8 horses, to visit the Goddess Hsi Wang Mu.