Plate with Foliated Rim

The center of this plate is painted in underglaze cobalt blue depicting blossomed peonies on branches within a double ring. The pointed scalloped sculpted on the boarder of the plate is painted with thin sprigs of a variety of flowers, including bell shaped flowers and prunus branches. The outer rim is painted with three prominent branches of peony as well. Outline and wash technique is utilized in applying varied shades of cobalt blue pigment and creates subtle variegation to the petals of each flower type. The year 1683 during the Kangxi reign (1662-1722) marks the return of the Imperial production of porcelain and the reinstitution of the Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen. A revival of imperial blue and white porcelain resulted in superbly crafted porcelains with well combined body, glaze, cobalt pigment, and skillful decoration. Refined blue cobalt allowed for adventurous and varied painting techniques, emulating watercolor on paper.