Famille Verte Dish with Garden, Flowers, and Birds

Qing Dynasty, Kangxi reign (1661 - 1722)
Shanghai Museum

The long reign of Kangxi, who was considered a model emperor, is noted for a porcelain style called "Kangxi famille verte." This emphasizes shades of green, with highlights in other bright colors.

The busy design of this plate fills the available space with swallows, phoenixes, and other auspicious birds, in a garden setting with water and flowering plants.