Bowl with auspicious emblems (one of a pair)
On the exterior of these bowls, 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 bowls were made as birthday gifts. The marks on their bases state that they were commissioned by the Hall of Colorful Flowers, likely a study of a scholar official or an upscale family.
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