Dish with an immortal on raft

China

Ming dynasty (1368–1644), Tianqi mark and period (1621–27)

Not on view

The scene on this dish represents the diplomat and expeditioner Zhang Qian (164–113 B.C.), who led the Han imperial envoy to the Western Regions. Legend has it that when Zhang attempted to find the source of the Yellow River he sailed his raft into the Milky Way. The figure here confidently sits on a single log in a relaxed posture amid turbulent waves.

Dish with an immortal on raft, Porcelain painted in underglaze blue and overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China

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Dish with an immortal on raft, Porcelain painted in underglaze blue and overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China
Dish with an immortal on raft, Porcelain painted in underglaze blue and overglaze polychrome enamels (Jingdezhen ware), China

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