This porcelain bowl with a copper rim is decorated on the exterior with four circular medallions containing various lanterns and precious objects against a famille rose background. The interior is decorated with four lanterns in underglaze blue on the inner wall. The lantern is also an auspicious motif suggesting festive cheer and blessings. Such bowls decorated with the lantern motif were popular at the Lantern Festival. This bowl also carries the underglaze blue mark of Daoguang (1821-1850) at the base.The famille rose or ‘fen cai’ (粉彩) palette was introduced during the last years of Kangxi’s reign (1654-1722). Famille rose enamel allows a greater range of colour and tone, creating a softer and gentler look that became very popular in China and Europe throughout the 18th and the 19th centuries.
