Monumental Famille Rose Fishbowl, Apocryphal Qianlong Mark, on Stand

Every inch of this commanding porcelain jardinère is alive with detail, attesting to the skill of late-Qing/early-Republic kilns that catered to both the imperial court and a burgeoning export market. Around the exterior a lavish continuous narrative unfolds: elegant court ladies gather on a terrace, their layered robes rendered in soft rose, celadon and aubergine enamels, each fold picked out with black “iron-red” outlines for graphic clarity. Between the pavilion columns, gilt fret borders frame butterflies, peaches and scrolling foliage, emblems of longevity and immortality. A broad shoulder band of peonies and fruiting branches gleams with raised gilt highlights that catch the light like cloisonné work, while the everted rim repeats lotus and auspicious bat motifs.

Look inside and an entirely different tableau is revealed—five large iron-red carp and four smaller companions glide through pale-green lotus pads, symbolising surplus and perseverance. The recessed base carries a six-character Qianlong nian zhi seal in iron-red, applied here as a mark of honour rather than a literal dating. The bowl sits on its original dark-stained hardwood stand, carved with cabriole legs and ring stretcher that echo traditional Chinese furniture forms and elevate the vessel for optimal display. Whether employed as a koi basin, planter or dramatic foyer centerpiece, this hand-painted vessel commands attention and speaks to the enduring appeal of famille rose artistry.

Condition

Good vintage condition. Enamels bright and complete; expected rubbing to the gilt rim, light surface scratches from decades of display. Interior shows faint water spotting. Hardwood stand structurally sound with scattered finish wear, chiefly at high points. No chips, cracks or repairs observed under UV inspection.

Dimensions 

• Fishbowl – H 14 in × Diam 16 ½ in
• Overall height on stand – 21 in
• Weight (bowl only) – 25 lbs

Please Note: Soup for Scale in Photo