Blue and White Fish Plate

A traditional motif in Chinese art, the fish on this hand-painted 19th-century provincial plate represents a blessing for wealth. Chinese symbols take on added meaning and nuance when seen in combination. The decorative blue lines surrounding the fish suggest water, which together would offer the wish "to be as content as a fish in water." A charming example of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, the plate has been mounted for display on a custom steel stand.