Saucer-dish, one of a pair

A low-fired, iron-red decoration during the Yongzheng was achieved in a wide range of color tonalities and with diverse methods of application. It was used to decorate small, elegant vessels, waterpots, jars, and vases (Art Gallery 1995: 61). Scarlet, coral red, or salmon pink colors were employed, either covering the entire body of a ware or merely as ornamentation, as on this piece. The classical lotus scroll on the exterior was outlined in dark red and colored in lighter red shades. The color is thin and even, revealing the fine quality demanded for imperial works from this period.