Antique Chinese Famille Verte Medallion Scalloped Plate With Boys, Early Republic Period

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A charming Chinese famille-verte revival plate dating to the Early Republic period, decorated with a lively scene of boys at … Read more A charming Chinese famille-verte revival plate dating to the Early Republic period, decorated with a lively scene of boys at play beneath a pine tree—a classic motif symbolizing abundance, joy, and prosperous lineage. The scalloped rim features alternating floral reserves, brocade diaper patterns, and famille-verte enamels, all finely executed in bright greens, iron red, and soft yellow.
The plate is made of crisp white porcelain with a wide footrim typical of early 20th-century workshops producing decorative wares for export. A lovely accent for a bookshelf or wall display in your home and a delightful display piece for collectors of Chinese porcelain or anyone drawn to auspicious children-at-play imagery.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE
While “boys at play” scenes are well known as blessings for prosperity and many descendants, fewer collectors recognize the deeper symbolism embedded in this composition. The presence of a pine tree is deliberate: in Chinese art, pines convey longevity, steadfastness, and moral resilience. When paired with lively children, the image becomes a multi-layered wish for enduring family lines supported by strong, virtuous generations.
This plate also reflects an important artistic shift in the early 20th century. As Jingdezhen workshops rebuilt after political upheaval, decorators turned to famille-verte revival palettes inspired by Kangxi wares—not as exact copies, but as lighter, more expressive reinterpretations that suited both domestic gift culture and Western export markets. The result is a style that blends traditional symbolism with the painterly freedom characteristic of Republic-period enamel work, giving pieces like this their distinctive charm and historical resonance.

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