Six Blue and White Qing Dynasty plates from first half of 18th century.

Set of Blue and White porcelain plates dating to the first half of the 18th century. China, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng or Qianlong period. 9" Diameter

The symbolism of the plates:

The Vase symbolizes perpetual harmony, supreme intelligent triumph over birth and death. The flowers are peony and chrysanthemum.

Peony - Mu-Dan - Queen of Flowers, the peony is an emblem of wealth and distinction.

Chrysanthemum : One of the "Four flowers of the Season" as a symbol of the autumn, the ninth month and symbol of joviality, first mentioned in the Book of Rites written in the Zhou dynasty. The flower has come to symbolize easy life after retirement as reflected by the Song dynasty Scholar Zhou Dunyi (1017-1073) who regarded it as "the flower of scholarship and loneliness". Chrysanthemum is also a well-known herb used to prolong life. The petals and leaves are used to make wine and medicine. The early morning dew, collected from the flowers, was thought to help with longevity.