Early 16th century, Ming Dynasty
Height: 7.8 cm | 3 in
Diameter: 16.8 cm | 65/8 in
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The deep bowl has a flaring mouth, and sits on a circular foot rim. The centre of its interior is decorated with two ducks swimming amongst lotus flowers – below a broad band of single chrysanthemum flower heads in alternating colours; these flowers are encircled by scrolling dark green leaves on a turquoise ground. The border around the inside rim depicts a garland of flowers and leaves against a dark green ground. This design is repeated on the outside, above a broad band of single lotus flowers – also in alternating colours – with scrolling leaves and turquoise ground above crashing waves. A single red lotus flower is repeated on the outside of the enamelled base.
Similar example: Chinese Cloisonne: The Pierre Uldry Collection, The Asia Society Galleries, New York, 1989 – no. 46. Note the close parallels in subject matter, design, wirework technique and the enamel colour palette – particularly the granular, mixed greens
