This bowl is an example of Peranakan Chinese porcelain or Nyonya ware made from overglaze polychrome porcelain. It has an everted, gilt edged chrysanthemum shaped rim. It is decorated with large motifs of peony blossoms against a light rose pink background. Rose pink is considered an auspicious colour that carries connotations of happiness and longevity, youthfulness and innocence. Symbols of the Eight Buddhist Emblems, such as the Lotus flower and the pair of fish, form a green border pattern at the rim to represent all manner of good wishes. These are interspersed with patterns of trailing ribbons. This piece could have been a serving bowl used for serving main dishes cooked with gravy, such as curry. Smaller bowls could be used as dessert bowls to serve creamy glutinous rice or juice based fruit desserts.
