x Dia: 10.0 cm
This bowl is an example of Peranakan Chinese porcelain or Nyonya ware made from overglaze polychrome porcelain. It is designed with motifs of a red phoenix with green feathers, perched among sprays of bright red peony blossoms. The phoenix is an auspicious symbol that represents beauty, grace, high virtue, the bride and the empress. Peonies symbolise spring, love, beauty and good fortune. These are set against a white background which heightens the colour and decorative effect of the motifs. Symbols of the Eight Buddhist Emblems form a yellow border pattern at the rim to represent all manner of good wishes. These symbols include the Wheel of Law and the Unending Knot and are interspersed with trailing ribbons. The colour yellow was considered auspicious by the Peranakan Chinese and was associated with festive occasions such as Chinese New Year and the all important sixtieth birthday celebrations.
