Chinese Canton Rose Medallion chamber pot and cover, c.1840
Chinese Canton Rose Medallion chamber pot and cover, c.1840
POA
Description
Chinese Canton Rose Medallion chamber pot and cover, c.1840, with applied side-handle and surmounted by a gilt knop, richly decorated in polychrome overglaze enamels to the exterior body and lid with a continuous scene of multiple figures in a pavilion courtyard with rockwork and greenery, with a wide band to the rim containing large butterflies amongst various fruits and flowers including pomegranate and peony against a gilt ground; diameter: 30cm. (11 3/4in.); condition: large chip on underside of knop, minor chips and frits to rim, minor wear to enamels
Butterflies (hudie) symbolise blessings or happiness; the latter syllable is homophonous with 'die' (eighty years old) and so they can also be a symbol of longevity or a long and happy marriage. The motif of a butterfly amongst peony, in particular, often alludes to a young man approaching the woman he loves. The auspiciousness of the imagery on this dish is further increased by the repetition of the motif; reference to yet another homophone of ‘die’ which translates to ‘pile up’ or ‘multiply’.
| item details | |
|---|---|
| Material and Technique | Porcelain with overglaze polychrome enamel and gilt decoration in the famille rose palette |
| Origin | Chinese |
| Period | 19th Century |
| Condition | Good |
| Diameter | 30cm. (11 3/4in.) |
Product REF: J410
