“Clair de lune†dish; China, late 19th century. Porcelain. Signed on the base.

Clair de lune" dish; China, late 19th century.
Porcelain.
Signed on the base.
Measurements: 6,5 x 29 cm.
Dish in the form of a lot flower, notable for its light blue finish known as "Clair de Lune". Chinese monochrome glazed ceramics have attracted Western collectors since the 18th century. The collecting frenzy was initiated by the French and soon followed by the Gilded Age Americans. For the immensely varied shades spanning the entire colour spectrum from white to black. Many terms have been coined to indicate Chinese enamels, such as 'ding ware' for creamy white; 'blanc-de-Chine' for ivory white; 'celadon' for greyish green; 'sang-de-boeuf' for deep red; 'peachbloom' for soft pastel pink; 'clair-de-lune' for delicate pale blue as in this particular case.
The Ching or Qing Dynasty, also known as the Manchu Dynasty, was the last of the Chinese imperial dynasties. Founded in what is now northeastern China by the Manchu clan in 1644, its rule ended with the abdication of the last Emperor in 1912 by the Xinhai Revolution and the establishment of the Republic of China, all the while maintaining the capital at Beijing. In general, traditional art forms flourished in many different and varied levels and formats, thanks to a highly educated upper class, a thriving publishing industry for books, pamphlets, etc., truly prosperous cities, and the Confucian emphasis on cultivating the mind. While the Emperors themselves were often outstanding artists (especially in painting), the best work was done by scholars and the urban elite in calligraphy and painting, both areas of great interest to the court. Even cuisine was elevated as a source of cultural pride in this period, taking elements from the past and working on them to reach new heights.