Antique Chinese Hand-painted Plaque, Qing Dynasty, C. 19th Century - Very Rare

A beautiful antique Chinese tin-glazed earthenware plaque, hand-painted with a depiction of five elderly Chinese men. The plaque is intricately rendered with figures, trees, florals, and scenery. There are seals or stamps and a bold artist's signature on the plaque. Most of the figures have convex parts, giving the painting a three-dimensional effect. The artist's work is particularly effective in this technique, clearly indicating that this rare piece was created by a true master.
After a diligent search on the internet, translating Chinese characters, and studying various sources, we have concluded that the plaque depicts a Song Dynasty scene featuring five old men. Su Dongpo and other scholars are depicted coming together to discuss poems and essays. The Song dynasty (960–1279) was a Chinese dynasty that ruled during one of its most brilliant cultural epochs. In this picture, the five old men are smiling and holding a scroll depicting the Yin-Yang symbol, also known as the Taiji, which is a fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy and cosmology, primarily associated with Taoism. It represents the dualistic nature of existence and the interdependence and balance between opposing forces or elements.
Taiji is understood to be the highest conceivable principle from which existence flows. This is very similar to the Daoist idea "reversal is the movement of the Dao". The "supreme ultimate" creates yang and yin. Movement generates yang, and when its activity reaches its limit, it becomes peaceful. From the blending of Yin Qi and Yang Qi come the Five Elements: Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, and Fire. From the Five Elements are born the "myriad things" of the world. Taoist practitioners enter into a "path of return"—a movement from the myriad things of the world back into wuji (which originally referred to infinity). The Five Elders of Taiji, or the Five Elders of Yuan Shi, correspond to the five directions of east, south, center, west, and north and are Taoist deities. This item will undoubtedly attract the attention of collectors of Asian art.
Dimensions:
Height: 35.5 cm
Width: 25.5 cm
Thickness: 1.1 cm
Weight: 2,134 grams
Condition:
Excellent condition with no signs of damage, cracks, or restoration. Perfect preservation of coloring and enamel.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.