Famille Rose Bowl with Pheasant and Chrysanthemums

During the 18th century, Europeans provided an eager market for Chinese export porcelain, especially the colorful and fanciful ware known as “famille rose.” Named for a palette of opaque overglaze enamels that favored roses and pinks, famille rose porcelain ware was crafted with the same technical virtuosity as imperial porcelain but designed for Western tastes.

Dated to the early 20th century, this large porcelain bowl is a wonderful example of the intricate linework and soft color gradients characteristic of famille rose ware. The base of the interior is painted with a pheasant perched amid spider chrysanthemums, symbols of autumn and longevity. The sides are colorfully decorated with flowers of the four seasons, and the exterior with bamboo stalks, painted in iron red underglaze against white. With its grand scale and beautiful decoration, this large bowl makes for a fantastic centerpiece or serving bowl.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.