Page 652 - The art of the Chinese potter By Hobson

PLATE CL

Dish with narrow flat rim. Porcelain with designs in
underglaze blue strongly outlined and washed in with paler

shades. In the centre is a medallion with a square enclosing

a lozenge in which is a passage of Arabic writing enclosed by

a ring and four ju-i ornaments ; in the spaces are arabesque

Onfoliage scrolls. the border are foliage scrolls interrupted

by four cartouches of Arabic writing. Similar ornament on

the back and the mark of the Cheng Te period (1506-21).

A number of Cheng Te specimens are known with Arabic

inscriptions ; such pieces were doubtless made for the

Mohammedan market, in China or abroad. Apparently this

dish was used for the ceremonial washing of the hands before

prayer. The inscription in the centre reads Tahdrat (purifica-

tion).

The writing is Persian in character and points to the dish
being made to order for the Persian market.

D. 16 5".
In the possession of Mr. George Eumorfopoulos.