x Dia: 10.9 cm
This bowl is an example of Peranakan Chinese porcelain or Nyonya ware made from overglaze polychrome porcelain. The main decorative motif is a resplendent phoenix in flight. Its legs and head are painted in iron red and pink enamels respectively while its scaly body is done in green with black details. The tail has elaborate details painted in brown and grey. The phoenix is an auspicious symbols that represents beauty, grace, high virtue and is also a symbol for the bride and the Empress. 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. However, yellow was not commonly used in Nonya wares. A possible explanation could have been that since the colour was representative of the Emperor, Chinese potters risked being persecuted by imperial overseers stationed at the kilns for producing yellow wares for their overseas Chinese clients. The piece also has a gilt edged chrysanthemum shaped rim decorated with the eight auspicious Buddhist emblems on a pink background.
