22/07/2026
The Generals of the Yang Family: A Story of Duty and Strategy
This large Kangxi period famille verte dish (38.3 cm) depicts a pivotal narrative from the legendary literary tale, The Generals of the Yang Family. Painted in remarkably fresh, vibrant enamels, the composition illustrates the intersection of military prowess, familial duty, and court politics during the Song dynasty.
Following severe losses along the northern border to the Western Xia forces, including the death of General Yang Ye, the Song court faced a crisis of leadership. The matriarch of the family, She Taijun, recommended her granddaughter-in-law, Mu Guiying, to assume command of the imperial forces.
A former martial rival known for her exceptional tactical genius, Mu Guiying initially resisted the appointment due to open hostility from corrupt court officials who questioned a woman’s authority.
The painter captures this exact moment of tension within a garden pavilion.
She Taijun formally offers the commander’s authority to Mu Guiying. To the side, the court official Wang Qiang observes the exchange with clear disapproval. Overcoming political opposition, Mu Guiying accepts the post, successfully repels the Western Xia army, and reclaims the lost territories.
Kangxi, 1662–1722
15 ⅛ inches (38.3 cm) diameter
* Formerly in The Heukolm Collection.
* Sold at Sotheby’s London, 17th June 1937, lot 153.
* Formerly in The Reginald and Lena Palmer Collection, no. 488.
* Included by the Oriental Ceramic Society in their Exhibition of Enamelled Polychrome Porcelain of the Manchu Dynasty 1644–1912, London, 23 May – 21 July 1951, cat. no. 14.
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《杨家将》:责任与谋略的传奇
此件清康熙五彩大盘,直径38.3厘米,以《杨家将》中的经典故事为题材。画面设色妍丽清雅,人物刻画生动传神,展现了宋代忠义精神、家族责任与朝堂权谋交织的历史传奇。
故事发生于宋夏交战之际。杨家名将杨业战死沙场后,宋廷边关告急,急需良将统兵御敌。佘太君深知穆桂英智勇双全,遂力荐其挂帅出征。穆桂英原为杨家阵前劲敌,后因比武招亲嫁入杨门,以卓越的军事