清乾隆 銅胎畫琺瑯“彩華堂製”款碗|Bowl with auspicious emblems (one of a pair)

Unknown

second half 18th century · Painted enamel on copper alloy · Asian Art

On the exterior of the bowl, floral scrolls surround four Chinese characters that read “fortune and longevity as you wish” (fu shou ru yi). The interior features a stylized character of longevity encircled by the Eight Buddhist Treasures, symbols that were introduced with Buddhism and are often found in the later decorative arts. Following Chinese tradition, these auspicious signs reveal the bowl was made as a birthday gift. The mark on its base states that it was commissioned by the Hall of Colorful Flowers, likely a study of a scholar official or an upscale family.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half 18th century

Medium

Painted enamel on copper alloy

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Bequest of Mary Clark Thompson, 1923