Large Chinese Rose Medallion Bowl marked "Da Qing Xianfeng Nian Zhi" on bottom made during reign of Qing Emperor Xianfeng (1851-61)
Bowl is made of porcelain and has been hand painted as shown in the photographs provided. Measures 36.5 cm (14.37 inches) in width. Is 15 cm (5.91 inches) in height. Bowl weighs 7 pounds and 13.8 ounces (125.8 oz) Bowl has been extremely well preserved and was owned by an antique collector. Bowl has no visible chips, cracks, or breaks in the porcelain. The hand painted designs can be felt by hand when touching the bowl. All photographs are of the exact bowl.
I acquired the bowl at the recent estate sale of a man named L. Roger Wells Jr. To my understanding his father acquired it in Europe. This family was extremely wealthy, and owned numerous businesses over the years, which involved their travel to other countries. Roger Wells Jr. was also the former secretary of state for the state of Kentucky under governor Wallace Wilkinson from 1987 to 1991. This bowl was a private piece of Mr. Wells collection of Asian antiques.
Auction House
Yes
Dear Bryan,
Your Cantonese / famille rose or rose medallion bowl is marked with hallmark Xianfeng but its made around 1910 ( Guangxu period ). I can see that on the pattern and colors used. It was quite common in Chinese culture to use the marks of older emperors to show the quality of the piece or to honor that emperor. Also keep in consideration that mark and period objects are rare since only when approved by the emperor or his staff you were permitted to use his hallmark. Those pieces are of the highest quality. This bowl is well painted but I think its not imperial. Nevertheless it is a big bowl and from what I can see in great shape. If your bowl came to auction I believe it would fetch a price around the estimate. Chinese buyers are not so fond on the particular type of wares; these were already made for export and are made for the western taste ( especial USA ). You have a good change to find a buyer in USA still today.
