Plate with an image of The Parasol Lady c. 1736 - 1738

This plate with an image of The Parasol Lady was crafted anonymously in China, its exact date remains unknown. The central image presents a scene of apparent leisure and status, likely reflecting the values and aspirations of the social class for whom it was produced. Notice the presence of attendants holding a parasol, a symbol of wealth and protection from the elements. This indicates a patron of considerable means and social standing. The surrounding decorative motifs, including floral patterns and emblems, echo traditional Chinese aesthetics, reinforcing the plate's cultural context. We can understand the public role of this artwork as a demonstration of status and a participation in elite visual culture. Further research into the socio-economic conditions of the time, alongside studies of similar decorative objects, would enrich our understanding. Approaching this plate as a document of social life allows us to ask what it tells us about the cultural values of its original owners.