Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
A finely hand-painted antique Chinese famille rose porcelain plaque, richly detailed with a scene of five elderly men representing the legendary gathering of scholars, including Su Dongpo, from the Song Dynasty era. The scene is set amidst delicately rendered trees, floral elements, and mountainous landscape.
The plaque includes multiple seals and a prominent artist’s signature, highlighting its authenticity and skilled execution.
The scene illustrated appears to represent the traditional motif Wu Lao Tu (???) — the Five Elders, shown smiling and holding a scroll featuring the Taiji (Yin-Yang) symbol. This symbol, fundamental to Taoist philosophy, embodies the dual forces of Yin and Yang and represents the balance of all things in the universe. This interpretation draws from classic Daoist cosmology, in which the interplay of Yin and Yang gives rise to the Five Elements (Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, and Fire), from which the “myriad things” of the world are born. The Five Elders are associated with Taoist teachings and sometimes identified with directional deities corresponding to the five cardinal points in Daoist cosmology.
With its superb execution, rare subject matter, and philosophical depth, this piece is a significant and visually compelling work, highly appealing to collectors of Chinese art and Taoist symbolism.
Historical Background
The Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE) is considered one of the most culturally rich periods in Chinese history, noted for advancements in philosophy, literature, and the arts. Scholars such as Su Dongpo (also known as Su Shi) were central to the intellectual flowering of this era. Scenes such as this one reflect the ideal of scholarly gatherings where philosophical, literary, and cosmological subjects were debated and explored.
This plaque echoes this tradition through both subject and form, incorporating Taoist cosmology and symbolism while also employing sophisticated artistic techniques such as convex modelling for added visual dimension.
Measurements
Height: 35.5 cm
Width: 25.5 cm
Thickness: 1.1 cm
Weight: 2134 g
Condition
Excellent condition with no signs of damage, cracks, or restoration. The colouring and enamel are perfectly preserved, retaining vibrant clarity and precision.
Shipping & Packaging
Item will be sent fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Please study all accompanying photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description. Do not hesitate to ask any questions before purchasing.
Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page
Antique Chinese Famille Rose Plaque, Five Elders with Taiji Scroll, Hand-painted
