Antique Stoneware Offering Bowl with Peaches and Lotuses, Shiwan, China (19330A-BLE) $450

Description

Fruit plates have been used as offerings in all Chinese religions to communicate with and venerate ancestors and deities in temples or home altars, bring reciprocal blessings to the bearers, strengthen family ties and demonstrate filial piety. Offerings of fruit, vegetables, sweets, tea and flowers and lighting candles and incense were ceremonially presented on home altars, after which the food is consumed by those making the offering to share the energy and good wishes the offering provided. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shiwan stoneware fruit offerings symbolizing the Five Blessings  of fu (health, wealth, longevity, a virtuous life and a natural death) and other auspicious wishes were placed on the altar when fresh fruit was not in season or to augment fresh offerings. The three peaches here interwoven with lotuses on a footed bowl are auspicious Chinese symbols associated with springtime, fertility and especially a long healthy life for many generations. Three is a lucky number and represents the significant stages of life: birth, marriage and death. The lotus is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, rebirth, harmony, fertility, prosperity and is the flower of a fruitful marriage. These glazed fruits are set on a footed plate and interwoven with realistic and brightly colored leaves and twigs to add to their visual appeal. In very good condition for its age and use, this has expected, cracks, scrapes and minor discolorations that do not distract from its beauty. Shiwan stoneware fruits are regarded as propitious gifts for birthdays, especially for the elderly.