Octagonal plate with panels of floral sprays

Longquan multi-paneled dishes had by the Southern Song gradually been enlarged in size and increased with the amount of decoration. Even before the Yuan, fully decorating the interior of large dishes had been the prevalent practice. Thematically complex plates with six to eight panels were found in the Ming strata of kiln ruins at Dayao. The Dayao pieces have the same dense clusters as are seen on this piece—individual floral branches on each panel serve as a secondary border, the main motif was rendered in the center, and a series of large leaves and panels decorate the exterior (Zhejiang Light Industry Bureau 1989: 61, fig. 2). This plate features eight carved panels of floral sprays, with lotus panels around the lower exterior of the vessel.