Shou Lao Holding a Peach, Ming Porcelain Figure, Antique Plate, 1911

An original color plate of 1911 from Gorer and Blacker's book of Chinese ceramic art, this sheet is given over to a standing figure of Shou Lao holding a peach in his left hand. The robes are enameled with many diaper grounds broken by panels, the round white ones sketched with small landscapes, and a green wave border runs around the hem. The flesh is a dull glazed white and the hood is tied with a black fillet. Gorer and Blacker describe it as Ming period and record it in the Salting Collection, Victoria and Albert Museum; height 18 inches (46 cm), width 7 inches (18 cm).

The plate comes from Chinese Porcelain and Hard Stones, the two volume work that Edgar Gorer and J. F. Blacker published through Bernard Quaritch of 11 Grafton Street, New Bond Street, London, in 1911. Two hundred and fifty four full page plates were printed in color by a photo mechanical process, each one facing a page of letterpress in English and French that described the piece. The edition was limited to one thousand numbered copies. The plates are color collotypes, and the book records that it was produced and printed by the Menpes Printing and Engraving Company of London and Watford.

Each sheet shows a single piece or group photographed against a plain ground, at a consistent scale and format throughout the book, with the plate number printed in red below. The book's text, which faced each plate, gives the authors' description, the period they assigned and the collection the piece was in.

Even age toning. A few small foxing spots in the margin. All four corners complete.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.