Canton Enamel "Four Happinesses"

Before the mid 19th century, most of the porcelain sold from Guangzhou was of the usual blue-and-white variety. It was not until the latter part of the 19th century that the Canton enamel (Guang Cai porcelain) came out. Canton enamels were welcomed by many western people since they were of practical use with a low price. Foreigners liked to make orders by sample.

Canton enamel had many shapes. Some were very traditional while some imitated styles from western countries such as long-legged compotes (long-stemmed dishes used for holding fruit, nuts, or candy). Patterns on the plate were various, including some characteristic Chinese images of flowers, birds, fish, insects, people, places and nature. Some patterns were painted in an exotic style with views of the city and people, families and company emblems. Most Canton enamels were made with thick, strong china as they had to endure long distance overseas transportation.

Among the various collections at the Guangzhou Museum, there is a Canton enamel called Si Xi Tu (four happinesses) Hua Kou Die (四喜图花口碟), a traditional plate belonging to the Qianglong period of the Qing dynasty, with a height of 3.2 cm and a diameter of 14.3 cm. The edge of this delicate plate is golden yellow, with some red flowers formed by dots on the interior. In the middle of the plate, an optical illusion combines four young boys, wearing bellybands and sharing heads and legs. The pose of the four young children is just like the Chinese character Xi which means happiness in Chinese. The festival form of the picture makes the plate more adorable.

(by Emma Chan and Alan Devey)

Source: Lifeofguangzhou.com

Editor: Carrot Chan