Chinese Masterpiece, Famille Rose, porcelain fish bowl, Qianlong Emperor Period Made. Magnificent fish bowl, on a matching wooden stand, with a lot of hand-painted decorations. Mark: Da Qing Qianlong Nian Zhi "Great Qing Qianlong Period Made": 25 September 1711 7 February 1799. The style of writing of Qing reign marks varies, but can be separated into two broad divisions within which there are further sub-divisions. In the first division written in 'kai-shu' (regular or modern script), the mark consists of six characters written in two columns of three characters. It is read from right to left and in descending order. The first character reads 'da' (great), followed by 'qing' (pure), the official name of the alien Manchu dynasty. This is followed by the two characters giving the reign title of the ruling emperor. The fifth character reads 'nian' (year) and the final character reads 'zhi' (made/manufactured). Composition outside: Highly embellished and decorated Famille Rose fish bowl. First composition: Emperor Palace with Emperor Family and nobility. Second composition: Ceremonial greeting in Emperor Palace of Emperor Family and nobility. Two garden scenes between two compositions, with two birds, butterflies and flowers. Painting inside: depicts 5 golden fish, swimming between sea grasses. The two gold fish are usually shown head to head and represent fertility as fish produce many offspring. They are one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism. The Chinese words for goldfish are identical with the two words meaning "Gold and Abundance" therefore many Chinese keep goldfish at their homes or in ponds in temple gardens. Fish in Chinese sounds like the word for "Abundance and Affluence" so the fish symbolizes wealth. Fish shown with a lotus blossom symbolize "Year after Year may you live in Affluence". Dimensions: Upper Diameter opening: 14.5 inches = 36.2 cm; Lower base diameter: 9.6 inches = 24 cm; Height: 12.8 inches = 32 cm; Height of the bowl on the stand: 20 inches = 50 cm; Weight: 18 lb. = 8.1 kg; Authenticity report: There are a lot of details, which support the age of Qianlong Emperor (1711 -1799): 1) A red six characters, hand-painted with thin brush (lines have different intensity) say that this vase was produced during the rule of Qianlong Emperor. 2) Light colors (white, pink, yellow) have a lot of natural crackles. 3) Generally the colors are somewhat dull, which reflects the influence of the age. 4) There is a strong aura of old antique masterpiece, which is irresistable. Provenance: Originally the Famille Rose porcelain fish bowl was a part the collection (1950-1970) of old antique dealer in New York, who passed away about 40 years ago. Approximately 35 years ago the whole collection was brought to Florida by his successor, where Eternity Gallery purchased the bowl. References: 1) Masterpieces from the collection of the Shanghai Museum. Exhibition Sovereign Splendour in Gemeentemuseum The Hague. http://www.flickr.com/photos/54576605@N00/5703078546/
Condition Overall very good condition. Natural wear of the rim of the base. Generally the colors are somewhat dull, which reflects the influence of the age.
Low Estimate: 10000
High Estimate: 50000