This bowl is an example of Peranakan Chinese porcelain or Nyonya ware made from overglaze polychrome porcelain. Such pieces could have been specially commissioned for special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. This piece carries the shop mark “Zhao Cai Jin Bao” which is translated to a call for wealth and treasure. The decorative motifs on this piece consist of sprays of large red peony blossoms. The peony is a symbol of spring, love, beauty and good fortune. These motifs are set against an emerald green background which symbolises youth and spring. The rim has a border pattern consisting of symbols from the Eight auspicious Buddhist Emblems such as the pair of Golden Fish. These are interspersed with designs of trailing ribbons.
