Rare Large Chinese Famille Rose Castellated Porcelain Bowl, C.1880

This rare large Chinese famille rose porcelain bowl is an exceptional late Qing decorative object, dating to circa 1880. Its scale, unusual form and refined painting place it well above ordinary export porcelain. The bowl measures 42.5 cm in diameter, stands 11 cm high and weighs 3386 grams, giving it a strong sculptural and interior presence.

The most distinctive feature is the castellated border, finished with a rust-red painted rim. This unusual architectural edge gives the piece a dramatic silhouette and makes it a particularly rare form among large Chinese famille rose bowls. The recessed central well is finely painted with a youthful courtly figure beside a table with auspicious objects, plants and fruit. The interior border is decorated with butterflies, lotus flowers and fine foliage, while the exterior carries a continuous figural frieze of elegantly dressed figures.

The artistic quality is very strong. The faces are delicately rendered, the black outlines are precise, the plants and garments are carefully detailed, and the enamels remain bright and fresh. The overall effect is refined, decorative and highly suitable for display in either a serious collection or a designed interior.

The underside bears a blue six-character apocryphal Kangxi mark, 大清康熙年製, “Da Qing Kangxi Nian Zhi”, meaning “Made in the Kangxi period of the Great Qing”. This is a traditional later mark and not a Kangxi-period date.

This exact bowl appears to correspond to Lyon & Turnbull, Fine Antiques, 31 March 2004, Lot 72, described as “An unusual Chinese circular bowl”, 42.5 cm diameter, with castellated border, butterflies, lilies, a central figure, exterior figural frieze and blue six-character mark.

Condition is excellent. The bowl has been checked under UV light: no cracks, no restoration and no overpainting were detected. The enamels are very well preserved.

Dimensions:
Diameter 42.5 cm
Height 11 cm
Weight 3386 grams

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.