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Chinese blue and white barber's bowl.
Late 18th century.
Decorated to the centre with blooming peony and a bird in flight. The cavetto with a ruyi-head and lotus band. The wide rim with four ogee-shaped cartouches containing further peony heads, blossoms and grasses. Four smaller roundels containing mythical creatures, all against a latticed ground. The reverse with further floral sprays.
Diameter: 34 cm. (13 3/5in.).
Known as the ‘king of the flowers’ (huawang), peony is a highly symbolic flower in China. The flowers, roots and seeds have been used in traditional medicine for millennia, but owing to Empress Wu’s appreciation for the flower it became associated with beauty and wealth from the Tang Dynasty onwards. Peonies continued to be associated with royalty and high status throughout the Song, Yuan and Ming, and were frequently grown in imperial gardens as a symbol of riches and honour.
Stock number
W508The BADA Standard
- Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
- Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
- Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
- Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
- Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
