Page 125 - Bonhams, Fine Chinese Art, London November 3, 2022
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The inscription may be translated as follows: Compare with a similar but smaller The Goddess Mazu referred to in the text
‘Wuchang from Sasan town and believer Wu example without inscription illustrated by is the most worshipped Goddess of the
Chang places (this lamp) at the tail (of the R.H.Blumenfield, Blanc de Chine: The Great sea, protector of seamen and sailors, and
boat) to suppress (wind and waves). We have Porcelain of Dehua, Hong Kong 2002, capable of protecting them from storms and
made a wish in front of the incense burner no.35A. Another example is illustrated by other water-related calamities. Mazu was
(or lamp) to the Immortal Goddess (Mazu) to P.J.Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, London 1969, particularly revered in Fujian Province (where
pray for peace and safeness. And the wish is pl.40A. Dehua is located, and the present lot was
granted, hence we thank her with this (water) made), which as a coastal Province, had
pot. On the auspicious day of the 11th month strong sea-faring traditions. These pieces
in the 22nd year of the Kangxi period’. were probably intended to be placed on an
altar in a temple dedicated to Mazu. Apart
from the use as an oil lamp they could also
have functioned as a waterpot or incense
burner.
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