A YELLOW-GROUND DISH WITH UNDERGLAZE-BLUE PEACHES SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

finely potted with flaring sides sitting on a low foot, the interior painted in rich cobalt-blue tones with simulated 'heaping and piling', depicting nine peaches borne on leafy branches, the exterior with a continuous band of scrolling morning glory, all reserved on a bright yellow enamel ground, the underside inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 12/13^th May 1976, lot 318.

Sections of the rim have been restored and repainted. There are some surface scratches and frits to the exterior. The largest frit of 0.5 cm to one of the leaves on the exterior has been refilled. The enamel is evenly applied with very little discolouration.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The high level of technical and artistic proficiency of craftsmen working during the Qianlong reign is evident in the brilliant hues of cobalt, which has been applied using the 'heaping and piling' technique to create a stippled effect in imitation of early Ming underglaze blue decorated ware. Although the decorative style of the dish, with its underglaze blue on a yellow ground, derives from the early Ming period, it was under the Qianlong emperor that the subject of nine peaches gained popularity.

Peaches are symbolic of longevity while the character for the number nine, jiu, is synonymous with the word 'long'. The number nine is also regarded as the highest yang (male principle) number and stands for eternity; thus it is associated with imperial sovereignty. Together with the morning glory scroll on the reverse, which represents harmony between male and female, the decoration of this dish presents the wish for marital harmony and extended longevity. 

See lot 3118 for additional references.