KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)

The present bowls are noteworthy for the two distinct scenes they depict. The first bowl depicts Zhao Gongming riding a tiger to join the forces of Grand Preceptor Wen Taishi in rescuing the country during a turbulent period in the Zhou dynasty (circa 1046-221 BC). The tiger in this scene symbolizes Zhao's determination, courage, and loyalty, reflecting the political upheaval of the time. The second bowl illustrates a scene from the Ming-dynasty novel Ordinary Words to Warn the World. It depicts Du Shiniang, a renowned Peking courtesan, experiencing heartbreak after believing she had found true love with Li Jia. However, Li betrayed her by selling her to a wealthy salt merchant in exchange for qianjin (one thousand gold ingots) to appease his family. Upon discovering this heartbreaking betrayal, Du, overwhelmed with disappointment and anger, sank her only dowry - a meticulously crafted treasure box containing jewels worth more than wanjin (ten thousand gold ingots) - into the river. This poignant scene became an idiom to describe one’s determination in holding high moral standard or making a sacrifice for a greater goal.