Dish with the Chinese story of Sima Guang

Unknown

ca. 1700–1720 · Hard-paste porcelain painted with colored enamels over transparent glaze (Hizen ware; Kakiemon type) · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Sima Guang (1019–1086), a distinguished Chinese historian and statesman, was also famed for rescuing a playmate who was drowning in a large water jar by smashing the vessel with a rock. A Chinese fable extolling quick wit and bold action, this tale is also represented in Japanese and European ceramics.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1700–1720

Medium

Hard-paste porcelain painted with colored enamels over transparent glaze (Hizen ware; Kakiemon type)

Culture

Japanese, for European market

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

The Hans Syz Collection, Gift of Stephan B. Syz and John D. Syz, 1995