Saucer with four large characters and a seal mark c. 18th century

This small, undecorated saucer, currently held in the Rijksmuseum, is made from Yixing stoneware, a type of unglazed pottery from China. The characters and seal mark on the saucer give us a glimpse into Chinese culture and social life. These symbols are not merely decorative; they reflect social structures. They reference the importance of literacy and scholarship, and the role of symbols in conveying status. The saucer’s creation was influenced by the region's geography, its resources allowing for the Yixing stoneware industry to thrive. The Rijksmuseum’s curatorial records can provide further context. These records, along with broader research into Chinese history and material culture, help us understand how art objects like this saucer gain meaning through their place in a network of social and institutional relations. The saucer encapsulates the fusion of art, society, and history.