Encre de Chine 1725-1775 Object 2011819 Bowl China c.1730 Height 56 mm (2.20 inch), diameter of rim 118 mm (4.65 inch), diameter of footring 55 mm (2.17 inch), weight 107 grams (3.77 ounce (oz.)) Bowl on footring, spreading sides and upturned rim. Decorated in various enamels, encre de Chine with two flower sprays and beetles and butterflies. Around the rim a diaper-pattern border. On the bottom an orchid (Cymbidium virescens) only visible in ghost form. On this bowl the Chinese porcelain painter's interest in insects, evident from the Wanli period onwards, is combined with encre de Chine which allowed finely and detailed painting. The encre de Chine decorating style was used not only for reproducing European prints, but also for decorations in the Chinese style as applied here on this bowl. (Jörg & Van Campen 1997, p. 169, cat. 186 & p.221, cat. 251) The orchid (Cymbidium virescens), the Lan Hua. is a motif commonly seen on fine Chinese export porcelain of around 1740. Condition: Wear to the blue enamel. a very tiny glaze hairline (3 mm (0.12 inch) to the rim only visible on the inside and a hairline to the base. Reference: Jörg & Van Campen 1997, cat. 186 &...