This is a large standing flower pot complete with stand. The main decorative motifs include a large standing phoenix, head tilted backwards, with wing and tail feathers in shades of blue and brown. The phoenix is an auspicious symbol representing beauty, grace, high virtue, the bride and the Empress. Next to this mythical bird are sprays of bluish purple flowers. Such pots were probably made in China and shipped to their Peranakan Chinese customers. These were placed around the Peranakan household as decoration. The Peranakan Chinese were fond of purchasing household objects from a variety of sources. Many families used similar items in their kitchens as these were often sold by similar hawkers, who sought out wealthy Peranakan ladies to ply their imported wares.
