Antique Chinese Porcelain Bowl on Brass Stand. China, S. XVIII-XIX

This wonderful porcelain bowl on a brass pedestal is a Chinese article made probably during Jiaqing Emperors reign. It is a beautiful and delicate piece: the combination of the different materials creates a singular decorative effect. The bowl is made of white porcelain with the outside painted by hand. The decoration is composed of lively scenes that look as bright as when they were originally painted. The brass pedestal is molded and engraved so it shows wavy and attractive shapes depicting waves, fish, pineapples and faces. The bowl is located on top of the pedestal and is firmly attached to the metal. It has a brass edge and brass handles, composed of fine overlaying volutes. The porcelain is in very good condition in spite of its ancient age: the only flaw it shows is a miniature hairline at the top, scarcely visible to the naked eye. Otherwise it is almost impeccable as well as boasting a colorful decoration externally, it preserves the artists signature inside too. This is a beautiful red ideogram, skillfully sketched. The bowl was probably used as a censer: the lid is darkened inside, maybe because of the aromatic smoke. The decoration is composed of two scenes separated by lovely naturalist motives. One of them depicts two men dressed in traditional clothes, lounging on a terrace. One of them stands in front of the place and the other is looking through a window. The second scene shows two women with elegant clothes and fans, in front of a railing that separates them from an awesome landscape. All the figures look relaxed and happy. The strokes are free and impulsive and the color dominates the scenes. The brass structure that supports the piece is composed of a base decorated with embossed volutes, faces and flowers; two legs shaped like fish that hold the bowl and the base where the porcelain piece rests. The bowl is covered by a fine brass lid composed of interwoven waves and volutes. Measurements: Width: 5.5 in / 14 cm. Height: 5.9 in /15 cm. Porcelain Bowl: Width: 3.5 in / 9 cm. Height: 1.7 in / 4.5 cm.