Dimensions: Width: 22.8cm, Height: 4.7cm.

Chinese Ming Dynasty WanLi Blue and White Dragon Phoenix Porcelain Plate. The plate has a broad wide central interior, round rim, thick and large, raised on correspondence slightly concave footed ring base. Hand painted ornamentations are rendered in white base color which contrast against blue color, depicted of flying phoenix and five claws imperial dragon soaring amidst flames, vapors, chasing blazing pearl amidst scrolling cumulus clouds. Since the dragon and the phoenix usually serve as auspicious symbols, any reported sightings of a dragon or phoenix were considered extremely auspicious, heralding a glorious period of peace and prosperity for the people and the country. This is reflected in the Chinese saying, When the dragon soars and the phoenix dances, the people will enjoy happiness for years, bringing peace and tranquillity to all under heaven. From references to the dragon and phoenixes in local festivals and rites to the heights of literature and fine art, they all reveal the glory of these legendary animals.The Under-base bears a reign mark, a six under glazed blue script characters reign mark, enclosed within blue fine rings. Made in The Years WanLi Reign Period of The Great Ming Dynasty.