Footed Offering Bowl with Scholars' Objects

This colorful porcelain bowl dates to the mid-19th century and was originally used as a serving dish for ritual offerings, placed before an altar and piled high with fruit, baked goods, and other foods. The cartouche-shaped dish features tall sides with a slightly flared lip and a short footed base decorated with crashing waves.

The exterior is painted with famille rose enamel decoration of precious scholars' objects, including ancient bronzes, handscrolls, fine porcelains, game boards, and instruments. Decorated in a pastel palette against a field of crisp white, this footed offering dish makes for a fantastic centerpiece or serving bowl.