Late Qing Chinese Blue & White Porcelain Phoenix Bowl – 9.5” Scalloped Rim – Hand Painted, C. 1875–1908

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A beautifully executed late Qing dynasty Chinese blue-and-white porcelain bowl, dating to the Guangxu period (circa 1875–1908), featuring a dynamic … Read more A beautifully executed late Qing dynasty Chinese blue-and-white porcelain bowl, dating to the Guangxu period (circa 1875–1908), featuring a dynamic central phoenix medallion surrounded by richly layered garden scenes.

At nearly 9.5 inches in diameter, this is a generously scaled and sculptural example. The softly undulating scalloped rim gives the piece rhythm and movement, elevating it beyond a standard round form and making it especially striking as a decorative centerpiece.

The interior well features a finely rendered phoenix — delicately feathered wings, a refined beak, and long flowing tail plumes terminating in peacock-like flourishes. In Chinese symbolism, the phoenix represents renewal, virtue, grace, and feminine strength — a powerful and auspicious motif.

Encircling the central medallion are figural garden scenes: scholars and attendants set among dense chrysanthemum and floral foliage, painted in layered cobalt tones that shift from deep saturation to soft washes. The variation in blue speaks to confident handwork rather than mechanical repetition.

The exterior continues the narrative decoration, while the foot is finished with a rhythmic wave border. The porcelain body is light for its size and rings clearly when gently tapped — a lovely indicator of its vitrification and quality. See less