x Dia: 20.2 cm
This bowl is an example of Peranakan Chinese porcelain or Nyonya ware made from overglaze polychrome porcelain. Such pieces were usually specially commissioned for special occasions. This piece carries the reign mark “Xuantong nian zhi” with ‘zero’ at the centre. Xuantong emperor refers to Puyi who reigned for a period from 1908 to 1911 and suggests that it was made during that time period. The motifs on this piece include a red breasted phoenix perched on a moss covered rockery, surrounded by peony flowers. The phoenix symbolises beauty, grace and high virtue. It also represents the bride and the empress. The peony is a symbol of spring, love, beauty and good fortune. The bright yellow background is an auspicious colour among Peranakan Chinese and was associated with festive occasions such as Chinese New Year and birthday celebrations. The piece also has a gilt edged chrysanthemum shaped rim decorated with the eight auspicious Buddhist emblems on a pink background.
