Chinese Canton Rose Medallion chamber pot and cover, circa 1840

Chinese Canton Rose Medallion chamber pot and cover, c.1840, with applied side-handle and surmounted by a gilt knop, richly decorated in polychrome overglaze enamels to the exterior body and lid with a continuous scene of multiple figures in a pavilion courtyard with rockwork and greenery, with a wide band to the rim containing large butterflies amongst various fruits and flowers including pomegranate and peony against a gilt ground; diameter: 30cm. (11 3/4in.); condition: large chip on underside of knop, minor chips and frits to rim, minor wear to enamels

Butterflies (hudie) symbolise blessings or happiness; the latter syllable is homophonous with 'die' (eighty years old) and so they can also be a symbol of longevity or a long and happy marriage. The motif of a butterfly amongst peony, in particular, often alludes to a young man approaching the woman he loves. The auspiciousness of the imagery on this dish is further increased by the repetition of the motif; reference to yet another homophone of ‘die’ which translates to ‘pile up’ or ‘multiply’.

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This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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