This plate is neither showy nor vibrant.
White porcelain with gold detailing, and faint purplish-pink in the six windows.
And within these windows, flowers, musical instruments, books, flutes, and globes are subtly rendered in an ivory-colored Pâte-Sur-Pâte.
Pâte-Sur-Pâte, applied with understated elegance.
Whispering important things in a small voice. Haha.
Beneath the humble exterior of this plate lies a highly sophisticated technique.
In Western still-life painting, there's a category called Vanitas, which uses allegory to depict the emptiness of life. For example, I've seen paintings with skulls.
Each depicted object is said to have its own symbolic meaning, its own allegory.
The transience of life
The futility of vanity
Are the globes, telescopes, books, musical instruments, and candles depicted in these windows also allegories for something?
Memento mori and carpe diem, as a set please.
Iced café latte, tall size, with almond milk.
A little extra garlic, and extra vegetables please.
That's enough. Yes.
This seemingly plain plate, to those who understand, carries a meaning that reveals extraordinary skill. Holding it in both hands and facing it, it's quite a formidable piece.
The soul of the owner resides in a bowl of ramen.
The efforts of a company in a cup of coffee...
That's enough now. Yes.
There are small scratches and wear due to age. The gold gilt is in good condition, and no major damage is particularly noteworthy.
It is a beautiful antique.
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