Description

This celadon plate with chrysanthemum-petal decoration derives its form from the celebrated Longquan kilns of the Song dynasty. A historic example of this design was recovered from the “Nanhai No. 1” Southern Song shipwreck, one of the most important maritime archaeological discoveries in China. Its cultural significance was further recognized on June 12, 2021, when China Post issued a special commemorative stamp featuring this motif, acknowledging its enduring place within the legacy of Chinese ceramic art.

The present piece is a faithful contemporary recreation by Li Lin, a recognized inheritor of Longquan celadon firing techniques and a guardian of this intangible cultural heritage tradition. His work demonstrates the refined craftsmanship, material sensitivity, and historical awareness essential to Longquan celadon, making this reproduction deeply meaningful and highly collectible.

The plate takes its name from its distinctive chrysanthemum-petal rim, where the multi-lobed edges elegantly emulate the layered petals of a blooming chrysanthemum. This sculptural form enhances the vessel’s sense of movement and dimensionality. The surface is covered in a soft, pale green celadon glaze, admired for its jade-like translucency and tranquil tonal beauty. Together, the harmonious silhouette and luminous glaze exemplify the sophisticated aesthetic that defined Longquan ware at its height.

In Chinese cultural symbolism, the chrysanthemum represents purity, longevity, and resilient integrity, valued for its ability to bloom even as autumn gives way to frost. Objects bearing this motif were traditionally bestowed as gifts conveying respect, blessings, and enduring good wishes. This contemporary interpretation continues that lineage, offering both artistic refinement and profound cultural resonance.