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Overview
A large Chinese porcelain fish bowl planter, 14.5 inches across, decorated in famille rose enamels and sold together with its carved wooden stand. The main panels show the God of Wealth in a red court robe and tall hat, flanked by a lady attendant and a child carrying a tray of treasures, with cranes and colorful clouds above. Between the panels, dense flowers in pink, red, yellow and blue stand out on a black ground covered in raised turquoise and white enamel dots. A band of peonies and scrolling flowers runs around the shoulder, gilt coin-pattern borders circle the neck, and the wide cream rim carries more flower sprays. Inside, red and black goldfish swim among green water plants. It makes a centerpiece in an entry hall, living room or sunroom, or a cachepot for a large potted plant.
Background
The yellow banner on the central figure reads 招財進寶 (zhao cai jin bao), a traditional blessing meaning "bring in wealth and treasure," which marks him as Cai Shen, the Chinese God of Wealth. Cranes stand for long life, and goldfish are a classic symbol of abundance, so the whole bowl is a picture of good fortune. Fish bowls like this were traditionally used to keep goldfish and are now prized as planters and display pieces. The base carries a red square mark with Chinese characters for "Made in China" and the word "China" in English script. The stand is a separate carved wooden piece with four scrolled legs, a round top and a lower ring.
Condition
Good pre-owned condition with strong, bright colors. The bowl is intact, with no cracks or chips. There are light surface marks and some light staining on the outside, some marks and discoloration inside, a fine surface mark (not a crack) on the inside wall near the black goldfish, shown in the photos, and wear around the foot rim. The stand shows finish wear and a few small chips. It has been filled with water and held it with no leaks, so it can be used as a fish bowl as well as a planter, cachepot or display piece. Please see all photos.
Dimensions & Weight
The bowl measures 14.5 inches across and 11.4 inches high, and weighs 15 lb 9.8 oz. The stand measures about 13 inches across and 9 inches high, and weighs about 5 lb 6.9 oz. Together they weigh 21 lb 0.7 oz. The bowl sits down inside the stand, so the two together are shorter than the two heights added up.
Shipping
Free standard shipping within the US. The bowl and stand are packed separately and double-boxed for porcelain.
