Chinese Imari Porcelain Square Bowl, Kangxi Period, C.1700-1720

A fine antique Chinese porcelain square bowl dating from the Kangxi Period of the Qing Dynasty, circa 1700-1720. Executed in the celebrated Chinese Imari palette, it combines underglaze cobalt blue with vibrant iron-red enamels and delicate gilt decoration, demonstrating the refined artistry of early eighteenth-century Jingdezhen porcelain.

The centre is decorated with a pomegranate-shaped cartouche depicting a charming garden pavilion with iron-red walls and a cobalt-blue roof, accompanied by a scholar's rock and flowering prunus. These traditional motifs reflect the elegance and symbolism of the Chinese scholar's garden.

The sloping sides are richly painted with chrysanthemums, lotuses and peonies. Thickly applied iron-red enamels create a subtle raised effect, while fine gilt highlights bring depth and brilliance to the floral decoration.

A cobalt-blue line encloses the central well, and each chamfered corner is finished with traditional ruyi-head motifs. The unmarked base retains characteristic kiln features of early eighteenth-century Jingdezhen porcelain, including an unglazed foot with embedded kiln grit, natural firing specks and old pencil inventory inscriptions from former owners.

More than three hundred years after its creation, the bowl remains an impressive example of Kangxi-period porcelain craftsmanship and would make an excellent addition to any collection of early Chinese ceramics.

Dimensions:

• 14.9 × 14.6 cm

• Height: 3 cm

• Weight: 400 g

Condition:

Minor losses to the enamels and gilding around parts of the rim together with light age-related wear. Otherwise excellent antique condition. Examined under UV light with no evidence of restoration. No hairlines, chips or structural cracks detected.

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.