NO 295, Bowl

 
Objectnumber
NO 295
Style/decoration
Underglaze blue
Material
Porcelain
Dynasty
MING
Country
China
Period
1610-1635
Dimensions
diameter 50,8 cm, height 14 cm
Institution
Princessehof Leeuwarden
Description

Bowl, called klapmuts, with rounded sides and a flat, upturned, lobed rim. The flat base unglazed. In a central, bracketed medallion bordered by various diapers three flying ducks and four standing at a lotus pond amidst flowers and waterweeds. On the well in six bracketed panels flower sprays and emblems, divided by narrow panels with jewels and knotted ribbons. On the rim three monster masks, peony scrolls reserved against blue between them. On the exterior in six lobed cartouches flaming pearls, jewels and lingzhi fungus, divided by narrow panels with sketchy lingzhi. Three formal flowers under the rim.

This klapmuts is very large and the quality of the decoration is exceptional, as is usual on wares of this size. The cobalt-blue has a silvery colour. The masks on the border are meant to be lions heads as the character Wang (King) between their eyes suggests. The lion, considered the king of all animals in Chinese and many other cultures alike, often has the Wang character on its head.

Object
Bowl