Two dishes with fish design in underglaze red, Yongzheng period (1723–1735), Qing dynasty. Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province. Porcelain. Each D: 15 cm H: 3.2 cm. Acquired in 1957. Collection of the University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong© Virtual Collection of Asian Masterpieces, 2013
These dishes with fish design were inspired by Xuande (1426–1435) underglaze red wares that represent the best examples of their kind. High quality underglaze-red porcelains remain rare and valuable. On the base is a six-character reign mark that reads "Da Qing Yongzheng nian zhi" (Made in the Yongzheng period of the great Qing).
Firing under-glaze copper-red requires the precise control of heat and kiln atmosphere, as well as the careful preparation of copper glaze. Hence under-glaze red porcelain is a traditional craft highly regarded by art lovers.