Large Ming Dynasty Chinese Fahua Ware Lotus Pond Fish Basin 5" H X 17.75" W

Details

Description

Large Rare Ming Dynasty Chinese Fahua Ware Lotus Pond Fish Basin | 5" H x 17.75" Diameter

Description:

This spectacular … Read more Large Rare Ming Dynasty Chinese Fahua Ware Lotus Pond Fish Basin | 5" H x 17.75" Diameter

Description:

This spectacular large-scale Chinese Fahua ware basin is a stunning rare Ming-dynasty pottery basin that collectors and interior designers adore. Measuring an impressive 17.75 inches in diameter and standing 5 inches tall, it commands attention whether displayed on a console, dining table, or as a dramatic centerpiece.
Crafted in the distinctive Fahua technique, the piece features a rich turquoise-blue glaze ground with raised slip outlines that separate vibrant polychrome enamels in yellow, green, white, aubergine, and iron-brown — the hallmark of authentic Ming-period Fahua ware (法華). The interior displays a lively central medallion depicting a lotus pond scene with swimming carp/goldfish amid blooming lotus flowers, reeds, and aquatic plants — an auspicious motif symbolizing harmony, prosperity, and abundance in Chinese art. The scalloped cavetto is decorated with a continuous band of lotus and peony sprays, while the wide rim features a bold repeating Greek-key (meander) border in brown glaze.
The exterior continues the celebration of nature with scrolling floral and foliate motifs wrapping around the fluted body. The base shows the expected wear and natural patina of a piece handled over many decades, with no major chips, cracks, or restorations noted — the glazes remain vibrant and the form intact.
A museum-quality decorative object that works beautifully in both traditional and contemporary settings, this large Fahua basin is far more than functional pottery — it is a bold work of art that instantly elevates any room.
Dimensions:
Height: 5 inches
Diameter: 17.75 inches
Condition:
Good antique condition. Vibrant glazes with minor surface wear and natural patina consistent with age and use. No chips, cracks, or repairs observed.
Origin:
China
Materials:
Fahua glazed ceramic (lead-glazed earthenware with raised slip decoration)
This is considered a large, decorative Ming dynasty Fahua ware (法華) shallow basin/dish. Fahua ceramics, produced primarily in the Ming dynasty (1368–1644, peaking in the 15th–16th centuries at kilns like Jingdezhen and in northern China), are known for their distinctive low-fired technique: a turquoise or cobalt-blue lead glaze ground over a biscuit body, with designs outlined in raised slip (trailing clay lines) that act like cloisonné “cells” to separate vibrant polychrome enamels (typically turquoise, yellow, white, green, aubergine/purple, and iron-brown). This creates a bold, enameled effect reminiscent of cloisonné or sancai wares but unique to Fahua.

This piece perfectly matches classic Ming Fahua characteristics and the lotus-pond motif:

Form and rim: Scalloped/lobed rim (approximately 12 panels/flutes) with a repeating geometric key-fret (Greek key/meander) border in brown/iron glaze. The cavetto (inner wall) features a decorative band of yellow-ground rectangular panels with small motifs.
Interior decoration: Central circular medallion with a lively lotus pond scene — goldfish/carp swimming among lotus blossoms, leaves, reeds, and aquatic plants (an auspicious Chinese symbol of harmony, abundance, and prosperity). Surrounding floral sprays (lotus/peony) in white, purple, green, and other enamels on the turquoise ground.
Exterior: Continuous polychrome floral, vegetal, and possibly landscape/figural scenes on the turquoise ground, with additional scrolling details and a decorative fluted/ribbed foot rim.
Base: Unglazed or biscuit foot with visible wear, staining, and surface irregularities typical of period pieces (shown clearly in the underside photo).
Dimensions: Height 5 inches (≈12.7 cm), diameter 17.75 inches (≈45 cm) — a substantial, impressive size for a display basin (often used decoratively, as a scholar’s desk item, or garden feature; shallower than deep jars).
Similar (but smaller) Ming Dynasty Fahua lotus-pond basins exist in museum collections, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s late 15th-century Jingdezhen example (≈11¼" diameter). See less