Large Antique Chinese Famille Noire Porcelain Fishbowl Jardinière With Wood Stand, C. 1920–1950

Details

Description

A magnificent large Chinese porcelain fishbowl jardinière or planter, beautifully decorated with colorful birds, lotus flowers, lush aquatic foliage, and … Read more A magnificent large Chinese porcelain fishbowl jardinière or planter, beautifully decorated with colorful birds, lotus flowers, lush aquatic foliage, and traditional Chinese motifs against a dramatic black ground.

Likely dating to the first half of the 20th century, circa 1920–1950, the piece reflects the traditional famille noire / Qing Revival style that remained popular during the Chinese Republic period and into the mid-20th century.

The exterior features a wonderfully detailed continuous garden and pond scene, with brilliantly colored birds flying and resting among large lotus leaves, blossoms, flowers, and aquatic plants. Shades of green, coral, rose, aubergine, blue, and orange create a striking contrast against the rich black background.

The interior is equally beautiful and highly decorative. A soft pale celadon-blue ground is populated with swimming fish, floating leaves, flowers, and aquatic vegetation, including a prominent iron-red fish at the center. In traditional Chinese decorative symbolism, fish are associated with abundance and prosperity, while the lotus represents purity and harmony.
A wide decorative border encircles the upper rim with repeating floral and scrolling motifs, giving the vessel an especially finished and elegant appearance.

The underside bears an iron-red Chinese seal mark, together with visible concentric potting marks and natural signs of traditional ceramic manufacture. The seal is presented as part of the object's decorative and historical character; as with many later Chinese porcelains, a reign-style mark alone should not be considered definitive proof of a specific imperial period.
The jardinière is accompanied by a handsome dark carved wood pedestal, which beautifully complements the black ground and raises the overall display height to approximately 17.5 inches.

With its impressive 16-inch diameter, this is a substantial statement piece. It would be wonderful used as a traditional planter or cachepot, displayed on its stand as a decorative porcelain vessel, or incorporated into a sophisticated Chinoiserie, Hollywood Regency, traditional, or eclectic interior.

Origin: China
Estimated Period: First half of the 20th century, possibly Republic Period
Estimated Date: Circa 1920–1950
Style: Famille Noire / Qing Revival / Chinoiserie
Material: Glazed porcelain with polychrome enamel decoration
Mark: Iron-red Chinese seal mark to underside
Wood pedestal: Included

NOTE: For added versatility, a glass top is also available, but not pictured allowing this beautiful jardinière to be transformed into a unique and eye-catching side table, an elegant way to showcase the piece while giving it a functional purpose.

Dimensions:
16" diameter × 14.25" H without pedestal; approximately 17.5" H with pedestal.

Condition:
Excellent antique/vintage condition with beautiful color and presentation. Light age-appropriate surface wear, minor marks, and natural variations associated with age and manufacture may be present. The underside exhibits expected wear and discoloration consistent with age. Please review all photographs closely as they form an important part of the condition description.

A beautiful and increasingly difficult-to-find large decorative Chinese jardinière, combining impressive scale, intricate decoration, auspicious symbolism, and wonderful visual presence. See less