A very large, fully decorated ceramic Canton enamelled famille rose punchbowl, internally with six large panels of alternating figural Chinese court and natural scenes to the sides with four similar and smaller trapezoidal panels below, and a central roundel showing a bird; the panels against a framework of green background with flowers and butterflies and six oval panels to the rim; the exterior sides with similar court and natural scenes and ornament; original gilding evident to the rim and borders; with a later wooden stand.

PROVENANCE:
Property of a Lady by inheritance; acquired about 1890.

FOOTNOTES:
Most punchbowls are in the size range 12"-15" diameter; this example, at 18" diameter, approaches the very edge of the practical limit in a wheel-thrown bowl as the walls of over-size, freshly thrown bowls will collapse under their own weight.