Bowl with auspicious emblems (one of a pair)

China

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 221

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.

Bowl with auspicious emblems (one of a pair), Painted enamel on copper alloy, China

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