This ladle with gilt-edged rims is decorated with motifs of a phoenix and pink peonies. The phoenix is an auspicious symbol in the Chinese culture representing beauty, grace, high virtue, the bride and the Empress. Likewise, peonies are auspicious symbols that symbolise spring, love, beauty and good fortune. Such overglaze polychrome enamelled porcelain or Nonya ware could be part of the elaborate 'tok panjang' dinner service which refers to dining at home on special occasions. Such a dinner service could comprise several hundred to several thousand pieces of plates, bowls and spoons of varying sizes.
