This is a Ming porcelain plate of 11.25 in diameter depicting an equistitely painted bird in pine forest. The edge motif is a scalloped pattern with floral crests, and perched birds on berry branches. Trees and clouds are painted with magnificent fluidity, truly a beautiful sample of Ming era porcelain painting. The glaze retains a fair sheen and deep blue glaze; markings remain vivid. The left side of the plate has suffered a crack and appears to have undergone a fairly successful artisan repair; a bit of whitish compound and light amber staining are visible. The repaired damage wraps around edge and forks into hairline cracks (fine) of a few inches. Back shows more evidence of this than front. Back has some slight greenish tinting to light glaze; front maintains crisp blue and white contrast & dislpays very well including repair. 11.25 in width, height is 2.25 in.
