blue and white; slightly flared rim; exterior painted with three large carp and a large perch swimming amongst nine other fish and aquatic plants above continuous stylized scrolling foliage; interior has two cranes among clouds within a band of ruyi heads beneath a wide band of eight cranes divided by clouds

Bowl, 16th century

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

This rare, imperial bowl is embellished inside and out with auspicious decoration in brilliant underglaze cobalt blue. The exterior is painted with three large carp and a perch among nine other fish and aquatic plants. Fish are an emblem of wealth and abundance because of the similarity in the pronunciation yu meaning fish and another character pronounced yu meaning abundance. The carp is also a symbol of perseverance, a scholarly virtue. The interior of the vessel is decorated with cloud and crane motifs in the bottom and around the rim. These are standard Daoist emblems for long life.

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Details
Title
Bowl
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2005.37
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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blue and white; slightly flared rim; exterior painted with three large carp and a large perch swimming amongst nine other fish and aquatic plants above continuous stylized scrolling foliage; interior has two cranes among clouds within a band of ruyi heads beneath a wide band of eight cranes divided by clouds