0989 A nice thin plate with deer, monkey and bees. Kangxi period. Marked base

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Description:

0989 A nice thin plate with deer, monkey and bees. Kangxi period. Marked base
Diameter: 162mm approx
Period: Ca 1680-1710

Symbolism from: https://tutuhaoyi.com/pun-pictures/may-you-be-created-a-peer-and-earn-a-handsome-official-income/?fbclid=IwAR0-BQwqDqP1YY1gv9KzmL2ffnlbxnNCfzBXwHzBrYahEvWLAx4jcGUXwDY

This pun rebus picture consists of four essential pictorial elements: bird, deer, bee, and monkey. The word ‘que 雀’ for ‘small bird’ in Chinese puns on the word ‘jue 爵’ for ‘high official rank’ or ‘peerage’. The word ‘lu 鹿’ for ‘deer’ shares the same sound with ‘lu 禄’ for ‘emolument’ or ‘salary’. The word ‘feng 蜂’ for ‘bee’, is a pun on ‘feng 封’ for the verb ‘to be granted’ and the word ‘hou 猴’ for ‘monkey’ is a pun on ‘hou 侯’ for ‘marquis’, which represents high ranks in the government in general. Thus, the juxtaposition of the four elements is used to convey the auspicious message of ‘May you be created a peer and earn a handsome official income’.

Curios bearing such motifs have been used as treasured gifts passing among friends and colleagues to lubricate the social machinery.