Chinese Famille Verte Style Porcelain Fish Bowl Jardinière Phoenix & Lotus, 20th

Details

Description

A richly decorated Chinese porcelain fish bowl or jardinière, executed in the famille verte palette and featuring an intricate, continuous … Read more A richly decorated Chinese porcelain fish bowl or jardinière, executed in the famille verte palette and featuring an intricate, continuous composition of auspicious motifs.

The exterior is densely adorned with scrolling floral reserves, scholar’s objects, and symbolic elements set against a vibrant turquoise-green ground. A central cartouche depicts a phoenix (fenghuang) perched among flowering branches, a traditional emblem of harmony, prosperity, and high virtue.

The interior is beautifully hand-painted with goldfish, aquatic plants, and lotus blossoms, a classic rebus symbolizing abundance, continuity, and good fortune. The combination of phoenix and fish imagery creates a layered decorative narrative associated with wealth, renewal, and marital harmony.

The rim is encircled by a finely detailed floral border, while the base bears an iron-red apocryphal seal mark in archaistic script, in the traditional manner.

Likely 20th century, inspired by Qing dynasty decorative wares, and produced for the export and decorative market. The quality of painting, balanced proportions, and fully decorated interior distinguish it from more common examples.

A highly decorative piece that works equally well as a:
cachepot or jardinière, centerpiece vessel, statement accent in a garden room or interior.

This example is best attributed to the early 20th century, likely produced during the Republic period (circa 1920–1940), and executed in the Qing dynasty style. It reflects the refined continuation of late Qing decorative traditions, when skilled Jingdezhen workshops produced richly enameled porcelains inspired by earlier imperial wares. The use of vibrant famille verte enamels, auspicious iconography, and an archaistic seal mark underscores a deliberate reverence for historical craftsmanship, while the confident hand-painted decoration and fully realized interior scene distinguish it as a higher-quality decorative work of the period. Pieces of this type were favored both within China and for export, appreciated for their balance of traditional artistry and decorative presence.


Dimensions:
Height: 12 in
Diameter: 14 7/8 in

Very good vintage condition consistent with age and use. Minor wear to rim and surface, consistent with age, use and materials.
No structural damage observed. See less