A framed Chinese blue and white porcelain plaque by Wang Bu. It depicts a peach tree with a praying mantis and lingzhi. Dimensions are: the sight area measures 15 inches tall X 9 inches wide, 38.1 cm X 22.9 cm, while the frame measures 23 1/4 inches tall X 18 inches wide, 59.1 cm X 45.7 cm. All measurements are approximate. Condition: It is in overall good condition with a few minor abrasions with glaze loss. A reminder that all lots are sold as-is. We have sought to record the changes in the condition of this piece after its initial manufacture as diligently as possible; however, as stated in our terms, condition reports are statements of opinion and not representations or warranties. Oakridge Auction Gallery bears no responsibility for any error or omission. Provenance: From a private Silicon Valley, California collection. Notes: Wang Bu (1898-1968) was born in Fengcheng, Jiangxi, and is arguably the most famous master of ceramic arts in modern times. After mastering all the techniques of Chinese porcelain arts including the use of under-glaze, over-glaze, pile carving, and engraving, he settled into his most famous style: painting blue and white porcelain. During his 60-year career, he became known as the king of blue and white, the quintessential master of the craft. His innovative style sought to recreate the appearance of ever-popular watercolor and ink paintings on paper using glaze on ceramics.This plaque is a fine example of his work. It captures the delicate detail work and fine brush strokes emblematic of Wang Bu's style. Light layers of cobalt blue glaze achieve the visual effect of watercolor soaking into and spreading across paper, while darker, thinner strokes resemble bold ink outlines. This plaque even displays one of Wang Bu's more inventive techniques: using sgraffito engraving to add visual and literal depth to his ceramics paintings. In this case, the artist has used sgraffito to add stippling to the peaches, simulating the natural texture of the fruit. Adding this physical texture changes not only the appearance of the painting itself, making it more lifelike, but also the way the light reflects off the surface of the glazed plaque, creating an enticing sheen like the skin of the fruit itself.Despite the realism of the peaches, the scene as a whole is rather whimsical. The long branches of the tree weave and twist together, creating curling shapes that reach in all directions. The branches are covered in layers of thin leaves like fur, with peaches hanging in every direction. A single lingzhi mushroom squats against the base of the tree. This piece shares Wang Bu's talented eye for dramatic re-interpretation of natural elements.王步（1898-1968），字仁元，號竹溪，晚年所作青花瓷及中國畫常署「陶青老人」，江西豐城縣人。從一九零七年來到景德鎮至一九六八年病逝，從事陶瓷美術工作長達六十余年，生平創作過多款瓷器，尤精於青花，享有「青花大王」之稱。其作品畫意渾厚、清新、簡潔、淳雅，運筆自如、流暢，達到了形神兼備的藝術境界，成為國內外博物館和收藏家的珍藏品。王步先生為中國近現代陶瓷美術大師，繪制大片青花技法中能用青料從濃到淡一次染成，世稱「青花大王」，被譽為瓷畫藝術中的奇才，其瓷繪筆力雄健，尤以花鳥見長。此件瓷板畫畫面中間繪以桃樹，共結有九顆大小不一的桃子，樹幹遒曲盤錯，筆勢隨之而不斷變化，既講究運筆的速度又要照顧料水的厚薄，王步分水技法之高於此發揮淋漓盡致，所見桃樹形態多變，料色深淺豐富，濃淡相抹，色階多達六七層，毫無凝滯之感，揮灑自如，令人眼前一亮。此件作品雖未落有王步款，但是從畫工運筆及青花技法來看，確與王步作品一致。A pair of similar Wang Bu seal boxes were sold by Sotheby's New York on September 12, 2018, as lot 119. A group of similar Wang Bu plaques were sold by Beijing Poly International Auction Company on December 7, 2011, as lot 5585. 參見北京保利2011年12月拍賣，編號5585。蘇富比紐約2018年09月拍賣，編號119。High resolution photos can be found here.