Dish; China, Ming dynasty, 17th century.
Porcelain.
Measurements: 4.6 x 20 cm (diameter).
White and blue porcelain dish that stands out for its profuse decoration in which plant, geometric and carp elements are combined, which serve as the main motif of the decoration of the piece. The Ming dynasty is one of the longest periods in Chinese history, lasting approximately three centuries. After the Yuan period of foreign domination, the Ming period saw the re-establishment of traditional Chinese values. The seventeen emperors of this dynasty reigned in a state of relative peace and prosperity and belonged to the Han ethnic group (the majority in China), as did the civil service. The economy was transformed from an agrarian to a fully mercantile state at the end of the dynasty. Especially from the 16th century onwards, a monetary economy will emerge. Industry would be fundamental, and there would be important technological advances and significant urban growth. A merchant bourgeoisie appeared, again mainly from the 16th century onwards, and the production of decorative arts was to be industrialised for good. This was particularly true of porcelain, which supplied both the Chinese and European markets from this time onwards. It was therefore a time when China looked to itself, recovering its tradition and, at the same time, initiating new contacts with the West and making important expeditions by sea.