A large blue and white 'eight Buddhist emblems' dish, Mark and period of Yongzheng | 清雍正 青花寶相花蓮托八吉祥紋折沿大盤 《大清雍正年製》款

Large chargers bearing this 'Eight Buddhist Emblems' and lotus design are rare. The present charger derives many design elements from classic blue and white porcelain of the Ming dynasty. For instance, the 'heaped and piled' effect is inspired by the application of cobalt on early Ming wares, and the effects of the accumulated iron oxide in the pigment. The wave design on the rim and the scrolling lotus in the center originate from Yongle and Xuande period moonflasks that were heavily influenced by Islamic metal wares, while the fruiting and blossoming branches on the exterior derive directly from Yongle and Xuande period chargers. For another charger of this type, see one sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29th May 2018, lot 3035.