Octagonal plate
probably Höchst Manufactory German
or Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory German
Not on view
This scene represents the Japanese version of a Chinese tale known as the "child smashing the urn", concerning Sima Guang, a distinguished historian and stateman of the 11th century. As a young boy he rescued a playmate who was drowning in a large water jar by throwing a rock and breaking the jar, whereupon the boy flowed out with the water. In the Japanese version, seen here, a third person pulls the boy from the jar, making Sima Guang's action unnecessary.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.