Chinese Canton Celadon Plate Painted enamel Pair of Fish flowers & Butterflies 19th century Stylised blue seal mark Daoguang antique 1840 26cm D

An 19th century Chinese Canton porcelain celadon green plate that has been hand painted in bright enamel colours with a central Buddhist emblem of two golden fishes beneath a basket filled with flowers. The plate has a floral border design and three brightly coloured butterflies. The pair of fish in Chinese culture are a symbol of marriage, conjugal felicity, fertility, tenacity and is a charm against evil.

The back of the large plate or dish is marked in under glaze blue with a highly stylised reign seal mark for Daoguang 道光帝 (1821 - 1850). This plate is often referred to as Canton porcelain, the port of export from China, and it dates from the mid 19th century around 1840.

It is in good antique condition with wear to the gilding and enamel and rubbing to the glaze from stacking. There is a crack to the rim and four chips probably from plate hangers that have been filled and disguised with paint, some enamels look to have been touched in - "restored" 

This is a lovely item to add to any collection of Chinese celadon ware or porcelain, with a fairly rare symbolic Chinese pattern.

Height  1.5 inches ( 3.8 cm)
Diameter 10.375 inches (26.3 cm)
Weight 875 grammes unpacked