Covered Tea Bowl with Design of Swimming Goldfish
DateDaoguang period (1821–1850) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Mediumporcelain with enamel decoration and incised ground over transparent glaze
Dimensions11.4 x 10.8 cm (4 1/2 x 4 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Helen M. Fernald
Object number2008.51
Descriptionbowl and cover with foot, carp decoration on white background, green-blue glaze on interiorLabel TextDecorated by skilled enamel artists, this covered tea bowl exemplifies a type of ware that was very popular in the early 19th century. Set off by an opaque white enamel ground with incised waves and foam, the playful goldfish were readily understood as symbols of prosperity. The Chinese word for “goldfish” (jinyu) is a homophone for “gold in abundance” (jinyu).ProvenanceMrs. Daniel Merriman; Helen M. Fernald, Cambridge, MA
On View
On view
Chinese
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Late Northern Song Dynasty (1042–1127)
Chinese
Late Northern Song Dynasty (1042–1127)
Chinese
Yongzheng period (1723–1735) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
18th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Early Kagxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Kangxi period (1662–1722), Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
