Dish with a couple and phoenixes

China

Qing dynasty (1644–1911)

Not on view

This dish displays a romantic story known as Phoenixes Arriving for Flute Playing (chuixiao yinfeng). Nongyu, the daughter of Duke Mu of Qin State (reigned 659–21 B.C.) married a famous flute (xiao) player. According to this legend, the couple spent all their time practicing the flute. After several years, even phoenixes came to listen to their music. One day, the couple rode away on the phoenixes and never returned.

Dish with a couple and phoenixes, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China

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Dish with a couple and phoenixes, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China
Dish with a couple and phoenixes, Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware), China

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