Page 259 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1942.9-640-643 (C-491-494)

Set of Four Large Fish Bowls

Qing dynasty, late eighteenth century
Porcelain with blue and overglaze famille rose enamels,
1942.9.640: 43.2 x 61.6 (17 x 24 V4)
1942.9.641: 41.9 x 59.5 (16 !/2 x 23^15)
15
1942.9.642: 43.0 x 60.3 (i6 /i6 x 23%)
J
1942.9.643: 44-5 x 59-8 (i7 /2 x 239/5)
[width does not include projections on the sides of the bowls]
Widener Collection

TECHNICAL NOTES
The broad foot-rings are smoothly beveled, and the concave garden scenes on the sides of each bowl consist of large
bases are unglazed. The other parts of the vessels are covered peonies and other flowers, an ornamental fence, and hol-
with a colorless glaze. low Taihu rocks. The famille rose enamels used for the
painting include lavender, white, blue, and several shades
PROVENANCE of green, in addition to red and gold. The lion handles on
(Duveen Brothers, New York and London); sold 1901 to Peter A. the sides are covered with gold enamel. Above the shoul-
B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheri- der of each are smaller panels with flowers, isolated
tance from Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by gift through power of
appointment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. against the blue ground. The lip of each bowl is sur-
rounded by a red scroll pattern, and its upper surface has
HESE LARGE, HEAVY FISH BOWLS are decorated with gar- six panels with floral sprays bounded by diaper bands in
Tden scenes in reserved panels against a powder blue different colors. Each interior is decorated with carp
ground. The blue has a delicate cracked ice and plum swimming through aquatic grasses and covered with a
blossom pattern painted over it in gold enamel. The large colorless glaze.
SL

interior of 1942.9.640 interior of 1942.9.641

interior of 1942.9.642 interior of 1942.9.643

P O R C E L A I N S 243