This thickly potted offering dish has a fluted rim, shallow centre and a high footring. It is decorated with Flowers of the Four Seasons and insects.Altar vessels like this example were used only for making religious offerings. Yellow enamelled wares were reserved for use on the grand altar while 'famille rose' porcelain was most likely to have been used at the ancestral altar, where elaborate offerings of food were made at least four times a year. Altar vessels also included bowls, dishes, dishes and spoons, which were laid out as if to present a meal to the ancestors.
