Immerse yourself in the refined beauty of Chinese literary and artistic heritage with this pair of hand-decorated Imperial Jingdezhen porcelain plates, dated 1985 and 1986. These exquisite collector’s items feature vivid enamel illustrations of female characters from Dream of the Red Chamber (紅樓夢), one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels.
🇨🇳 Origin: Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province – China's porcelain capital
📏 Plate size: 22 cm diameter | 29 cm total diameter with frame
🪵 Frame: Elegant wooden mount by Van Hygan & Smythe (impressed stamp)
📅 Dated: 1985 and 1986
🔍 Mark: Imperial Jingdezhen Porcelain (with twin dragon and Chinese script motif)
📖 Series: Dream of the Red Chamber Collector’s Series
🖐 Condition: Vintage, used — one plate has two hairline glaze scrapes on the back (clearly shown in photos). No chips, cracks, or repairs on the front.
⚠️ Note: Decorative only – "Artistic object. Precious metal pigments may be toxic. Do not use for eating."
🔹 Plate 1 – 1986 (No. 6336): Yuan Chun (元春)
Portrays Yuan Chun, a noble and dignified woman from Dream of the Red Chamber. She symbolises grace and duty.
📜 Translation of text:
“This plate features Yuan Chun from Dream of the Red Chamber, painted by Zhao Huimin. Yuan Chun is a symbol of refinement and virtue. This item was handmade by Imperial Jingdezhen and released by the China Arts & Crafts Import & Export Corporation. Limited to 225 firing days.”
🔹 Plate 2 – 1985 (No. 917): Bao Chai (寶釵)
Illustrates Bao Chai, one of the principal female characters in the novel, known for her intellect, beauty, and calm temperament.
📜 Translation of text:
“This scene shows Bao Chai from Dream of the Red Chamber, by Zhao Huimin. A woman of great inner strength and poise. Handmade by Imperial Jingdezhen and issued by the national arts export company. Also limited to 225 firing days.”
Both inscriptions warn:
“Artistic object. Precious metal pigments may be toxic. Do not use for eating.”
Jingdezhen has been the epicentre of fine Chinese porcelain for over 1,000 years. These plates come from the highly respected Imperial line, denoting quality and artistic value.
Painted by artist Zhao Huimin, a well-known contributor to Chinese cultural exportware in the 1980s.
Framed by Van Hygan & Smythe, a premium brand known for crafting elegant display solutions for collectible plates.
Limited edition run – only available for 225 kiln days, making these genuinely rare collector pieces.
From Lillys RoseRed – Where the Past is Always Present 🌹
These plates are not just decorative — they are visual poetry. Whether you appreciate literature, fine ceramics, or Eastern aesthetics, this set is an ideal centrepiece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
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✔️ Fully tracked & insured
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✔️ Worldwide shipping from the UK
🎁 Add this magnificent, framed duo of Imperial Jingdezhen collector’s plates to your wall or cabinet display — a cultured statement piece with genuine history and soul.
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