A Large and Rare Chinese Qianlong Period Famille Rose Fish Bowl/Planter

Description

A Large and Rare Chinese Qianlong Period (1750-1759) Famille Rose Fish Bowl/Planter. This large Chinese famille rose porcelain fish bowl is of broad circular form with a wide flared rim, rounded body, and raised cylindrical foot. The exterior is decorated with continuous flowering branches bearing large peony blossoms in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and orange, interspersed with leafy sprays and smaller floral clusters. At the center of the principal scene, two peacocks stand among blue scholar's rocks and flowering plants, surrounded by additional blossoms extending around the circumference. The rim, neck, and foot are encircled by multiple painted borders composed of scrolling motifs, floral diaper bands, and rows of small stylized blossoms separated by gilt lines. The interior is finished in a white glaze with scattered floral sprays and a decorative border beneath the rim incorporating iron red and gilt ornament. The bowl is fitted with opposing gilt bronze lion mask handles suspending patinated ring pulls, providing both decorative and functional elements. This fish bowl dates to the Qianlong period and is executed in the famille rose palette developed during the Qing dynasty. The decoration is applied in overglaze enamels with finely painted outlines, graduated color shading, and detailed brushwork throughout the floral and bird motifs. The peony blooms display layered petals accented with fine hatchwork, while the peacocks are painted with individually defined feathers highlighted in green, turquoise, pink, and yellow enamels. The gilt bronze lion mask mounts are secured to opposing sides of the body and retain their original suspended rings. The interior floral sprays correspond with the exterior decoration, creating a fully finished surface intended to be viewed from every angle. Large porcelain fish bowls of this type were produced for both interior display and garden settings within the imperial tradition. The Qianlong period is recognized for porcelain decorated with complex famille rose enamels featuring birds, flowering plants, and auspicious garden subjects. The carefully balanced arrangement of peonies, peacocks, scholar's rocks, and floral sprays reflects decorative schemes associated with palace porcelains of the period. The combination of a substantial porcelain body, extensive hand painted enamel decoration, multiple patterned borders, and applied gilt bronze lion mask ring handles makes this an uncommon example of a large Qianlong period famille rose fish bowl that retains its complete decorative program. Dimensions: 15.5" Height 22" Diameter 24" Width

Details

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