Bowl

DATE:: c. 1640–1650
MATERIAL AND TECHNIQUE:: Porcelain
CLASSIFICATION:: Containers
DIMENSIONS:: 8 1/2 × 14 1/2 × 14 1/2 in. (21.59 × 36.83 × 36.83 cm) Bowl: 6 1/2 × 14 1/2 × 14 1/2 in. (16.51 × 36.83 × 36.83 cm) Wooden base: 2 1/4 × 9 1/2 × 9 1/2 in. (5.72 × 24.13 × 24.13 cm)
DEPARTMENT:: Decorative Arts and Design
LOCATION:: Wendy and Emery Reves Collection - Entry, Level 3
CREDIT LINE:: Dallas Museum of Art, The Wendy and Emery Reves Collection
OBJECT NUMBER:: 1985.R.953.A-B

General Description

The underglaze blue decoration on this bowl dates it to the 1640s. A potted peony bush symbolizing spring, love, and feminine beauty is depicted on the interior's bottom. On the inner wall are six panels containing stylized peach branches. The peach is believed to ward off evil and represents springtime, marriage, and immortality. The six exterior panels contain scenes featuring bamboo, flowers, and birds.

Excerpt from

Dallas Museum of Art, Decorative Arts Highlights from the Wendy and Emery Reves Collection (Dallas, Texas: Dallas Museum of Art, 1995), 92.