Saucer dish with engraved decoration

Engraved decoration is found in combination with a number of the monochrome glazes that were used in the Qing dynasty. It is particularly effective when covered directly by very translucent low-fired enamel colors. The lack of a white glaze between the porcelain body and the enamel color makes the engraving stand out much more clearly. The decoration of this dish includes many motifs associated with good fortune; the cranes and lingzhi fungus depicted in the interior medallion, for example, are symbols of longevity. The five bats around the outside of the dish are a reference to the Five Blessings.