Chinese Export Rose Medallion Porcelain Punch Bowl (Non-Silver)
Hollowware (Ceramic/Porcelain Bowl) · Unknown Cantonese Workshop. Produced for the Western Export Market (Chinese Export Porcelain).
Pattern: Rose Medallion; featuring central bird-and-flower panels and alternating court scenes.
Type
Hollowware (Ceramic/Porcelain Bowl)
Maker
Unknown Cantonese Workshop. Produced for the Western Export Market (Chinese Export Porcelain).
Material
Hard-paste porcelain with polychrome overglaze enamels and gilded accents; contains zero silver content.
Dimensions
Estimated 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) in diameter; weighs approximately 3-5 kg depending on thickness.
Description
A vibrant and imposing Chinese Export porcelain punch bowl decorated in the traditional Rose Medallion style. The exterior features panels of courtly life and naturalistic bird-and-flower scenes, separated by borders of lush foliage, butterflies, and gilded scrolls.
Key Features
Alternating panels of 'people' and 'birds/flowers'; characteristic pink roses; C-scroll gilded borders; wide diameter.
Material & Composition
Hard-paste porcelain with polychrome overglaze enamels and gilded accents; contains zero silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Famille Rose palette dominated by pink/peony enamels. Decorative techniques include hand-painting, gilding, and paneling with a heavy 'brocade' ground of butterflies and flowers.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually none; some late 19th/early 20th-century pieces may have a red 'CHINA' or 'MADE IN CHINA' stamp on the base.
Construction Details
Wheel-thrown and hand-finished porcelain ceramic; kiln-fired with multiple overglaze firings for enamels.
Functional Features
Large capacity vessel for serving punch; wide, deep well with a stable foot ring.
Handle & Grip Details
None; smooth, sloping sides suitable for lifting with two hands.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-wrought ceramic work with intricate multi-stage overglaze hand-painting; evidence of hand-tooling on the foot.
Authentication Indicators
Hand-painted variability; unevenness in the gilded rim; potting texture on the underside of the foot.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canton (Guangzhou), China; manufactured for export to Europe and the United States.
Era & Period
Qing Dynasty (mid-to-late 19th Century) / Victorian Era Export.
Age Estimate
Circa 1850-1880 (Mid-Victorian Period) based on the density of decoration and enamel color.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 19th-century fascination with Chinoiserie and the massive trade between Canton and Western ports like Salem and London.
Condition Notes
Very Good; visible wear to the gilded rim; minor enamel losses typical for age; no major cracks or 'staple' repairs visible.
Value Estimate
$800.00 - $2,500.00 USD depending on size, age, and lack of structural damage.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap; avoid abrasive pads; do not use in microwave; handle with cotton gloves to prevent oil transfer.
Similar Pieces
Rose Canton (lacks figures), Rose Mandarin (focuses only on figures), or Canton Blue and White.
Interesting Facts
Rose Medallion was specifically designed for the Western market and was rarely used by the Chinese domestic population.