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.
This gorgeous punch bowl dates to the late 19th century and is a beautiful example of famille rose porcelain. The round bowl is shaped with thin walls and a simple silhouette, providing the ideal canvas for intricately painted surface decoration. Cartouches drawn of red and gold linework outline delicate vignettes of roses or peonies, further surrounded by floral motifs brushed in a pale celadon color that blends into the white field. A colorful band of abstract florals and pomegranates borders the rim and feathery scrollwork decorates the base, reminiscent of a crashing wave motif.
The exquisite decoration continues to the interior rim, lavishly patterned with an array of hand-painted detail. Foliate cartouches enclose geometric "fish roe" patterns, each flanked by gilt scrollwork and dainty sprays of chrysanthemums and flower buds. A simple botanical vignette decorates the interior base, comprised of a pink peony, red chrysanthemums and a single butterfly. Rendered in a sumptuous palette of red, magenta, purple, green and gold, this large enamelware bowl is wonderful today as a serving dish, centerpiece or decorative accent.
