Lot 027 A PAIR OF IRON-RED AND MULTI-COLOR ‘FISH LEAPING OVER THE DRAGON GATE’ SAUCERS GUANGXU PERIOD, QING DYNASTY

Description

A PAIR OF IRON-RED AND MULTI-COLOR ‘FISH LEAPING OVER THE DRAGON GATE’ SAUCERS
GUANGXU PERIOD, QING DYNASTY
清光绪 矾红彩“鱼跃龙门”纹小碟（一对）
MEASUREMENTS
D. 8.4 cm, 3.3 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 1,200 — 1,800
(HKD 9,400 — 14,000)
DESCRIPTION
The pair of saucers is delicately potted with shallow rounded sides rising from a short circular foot to a flared rim. The interior of each dish is vibrantly painted in iron-red and overglaze enamels with the auspicious theme of “The Carp Leaping over the Dragon Gate.” A powerful five-clawed dragon with a detailed scaly body is depicted soaring amidst polychrome clouds, looking down at a vigorous carp emerging from cresting green waves. The exterior is decorated with a continuous band of stylized wave motifs, echoing the interior design. The base is inscribed with a six-character mark in iron-red: Da Qing Guangxu Nian Zhi (Made during the Guangxu Reign of the Great Qing Dynasty).
此对小碟撇口，浅弧腹，圈足，胎体轻薄。碟内以矾红彩及五彩描绘经典的**“鱼跃龙门”纹饰。画面上方绘一五爪行龙穿行于五彩祥云间，鳞甲鲜明，神态威猛；下方绘一鲤鱼奋力跃出层层绿彩波涛，仰首望龙，寓意金榜题名、步步高升。碟外壁绘一周海水纹，与内壁主题相呼应。底足中心书“大清光绪年制”**六字双行红彩楷书款。
CATALOGUE NOTE
The motif of “The Carp Leaping over the Dragon Gate” (Liyu Tiao Longmen) is a traditional Chinese symbol of perseverance and success, particularly associated with academic achievement and social advancement. It stems from the legend that a carp that could leap over the mythical Dragon Gate on the Yellow River would be transformed into a celestial dragon.
During the Guangxu reign, there was a significant revival in the production of fine ceramics that looked back to earlier Qing imperial styles. This pair exhibits the characteristic “iron-red” (fanhong) palette of the period, combined with a meticulous use of green enamel for the waves and vibrant colors for the “Five-Colored Clouds” (wucai xiangyun). The execution is refined, reflecting the high standards of late Qing craftsmanship intended for both domestic appreciation and the sophisticated export market.
“鱼跃龙门”是中国传统吉祥图案，源自黄河鲤鱼跳过龙门即化为龙的传说，常比喻逆境奋斗、金榜题名及官位升迁。光绪时期，景德镇瓷业在晚清动荡中出现了一次显著的复兴。此对小碟构图严谨，矾红发色纯正，与绿彩描绘的海水纹形成鲜明对比。祥云部分采用了多色点缀，呈现出清代晚期特有的绚丽风格。整器画工精细，线条流畅，款识工整，是光绪时期对传统祥瑞题材的精品诠释。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall very good condition. Slight rubbing to the iron-red enamels on the rim and minor surface scratches consistent with use. No visible cracks or restorations.
• 整体品相良好。 碟沿及局部红彩见轻微自然磨损，表面有极细微划痕，符合其年代与用途。无明显裂缝或修补痕迹。