A LARGE PAIR OF CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE 'YANG JIA JIANG' DISHES

KANGXI 1662-1722

Each painted with a central medallion containing warriors in battle and figures carrying banners under a willow tree, the cavettos decorated with cartouches enclosing further soldiers, the reverse embellished with bands of floral sprigs above panels of ruyi-heads, with a six character Chenghua marks within double circles, 37.7cm. (2)

Mu Guiying is a legendary heroine from the Yang Jia Jiang (Generals of the Yang Family Legends), a Northern Song Dynasty tale and play. The scene depicts Mu Guiying capturing the young and handsome Yang Zongbao and demanding a marriage proposal. Mu is the cultural symbol of a brave, persevering and loyal woman.