A PAIR OF ‘POMEGRANATE’ AND ‘CAMELLIA’ PORCELAIN PLAQUES IN PARCEL-GILT SILVER FRAMES, MING DYNASTYChina, the porcelain 15th - 16th century, the frames from the Qing dynasty. Each plaque of fan shape and finely painted, one with pomegranates borne on leafy vines, the second depicting blossoming camellia flowers, each within a silver frame surmounted by two qilin, with a gilt band decorated with birds and vines against a ring-punched ground, and inlaid with tourmaline and sapphire matrix cabochons. (4)Provenance: Formerly in a European private collection.Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, light surface scratches, small dents, some inlays missing.Weight: 3,643 g and 3,649 gDimensions: Size 32.7 x 45.5 cm (each)Expert’s note: The parcel-gilt silver frames date from circa 1780-1880 and boast a superb quality of craftsman as well as an inspired design, the neatly inlaid semi-precious stones adding further to their singularity, overall indicating the possibility of an imperial connection.The camellia is native to China where it has a rich national history, particularly in the southwest region. In Chinese belief, it represents the union between two lovers. The delicately layered petals represent the woman, and the calyx (the green leafy part of the stem that holds the petals together) represents the man who protects her. The pomegranate with its many seeds is viewed as a symbol of having multiple sons who are expected to continue the family line. The pairing of camellia and pomegranate thus represents a wish for a happy marriage with many offspring.Literatureparison:Compare a blue and white bianhu vase with camellia motif, dated to the Yongle period, in the Shanghai Museum, ID number CI00000173.pare a blue and white bowl painted with pomegranates in the center, with a Xuande mark and of the period, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number .明代一對石榴與茶花陶瓷掛屏中國，瓷屏十五至十六世紀，清代鎏銀屏框。瓷板成扇形，青花繪製，一面是纏枝石榴紋，另一面是纏枝茶花紋。鑲銀框，框上有麒麟掛扣，銀框鑲嵌碧璽和藍寶石。(4)