A BLUE AND WHITE 'EIGHT HORSES OF WANG MU' PORCELAIN DISH China, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi mark and period The inner part adorned with four horses in various positions under a willow tree, the reverse with four galloping horses. The base inscribed with the mark of the Emperor Kangxi in cobalt blue within a double circle. D: 17cm Notes: The eight horses of King Mu of the Zhou Dynasty was a popular theme for porcelain decorations from the Transitional into the Yongzheng period (1723-35). The story originates from a historical romance, the Mu tianzhi zhuan, which describes the journeys of the fifth emperor of the Zhou dynasty (1023-983 BC) during which he met Xi Wangmu and was pulled by eight horses named after their colours and each believed to have a special talent. For a related dish at public auction, see Sotheby's New York, 2019/03/19, KANGXI: THE JIE RUI TANG COLLECTION, PART II, lot 318. “穆王八骏”蓝白瓷盘 中国，清朝，康熙年制标记，康熙年间