Famille Rose Bowl with Offering Fruits

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 famille rose bowl dates to the early 20th century and is beautifully decorated with auspicious fruits and floral sprays. The base of the bowl features a mythical qilin ridden by a woman carrying a child. Divine and peaceful creatures, qilin are believed to be benevolent protectors of those with good intentions. Decorated in a pastel palette against a field of crisp white, this grand bowl makes for a fantastic centerpiece or serving bowl.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.