This bowl is an example of Peranakan Chinese porcelain or Nyonya ware made from overglaze polychrome enamelled 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 mean a call for wealth and treasure. The decorative motifs on this piece consist of sprays of large peonies in shades of red, pink and orange, together with leaves and buds. The peony is a symbol of spring, love, beauty and good fortune. These motifs are set against an emerald green background which could symbolise youth and spring. The rim has a border pattern consisting of symbols from the Eight auspicious Buddhist Emblems such as the Conch Shell. These are interspersed with designs of trailing ribbons. Such bowls could be used to serve main dishes cooked with gravy, such as curry, or creamy glutinous rice or juice based fruit desserts.
