Octagonal plate
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Octagonal plate
- Manufactory: probably Höchst Manufactory (German, 1746–1796)
- Manufactory: or Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory (German, 1747–present)
- Date: ca. 1760
- Culture: German, probably Höchst or Nymphenburg
- Medium: Hard-paste porcelain
- Dimensions: Diameter: 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics-Porcelain
- Credit Line: The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973
- Object Number: 1974.356.315
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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Japanese, for European market
ca. 1700–1720
Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory
ca. 1752
Höchst Manufactory
ca. 1770
Höchst Manufactory
ca. 1775
Höchst Manufactory
ca. 1775
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