Creative Commons License
Bowl with Pheasants
(China )
Pheasants were appreciated in China for their striking tail feathers, making them symbols of beauty. These feathers were collected and adorned military helmets as an indication of rank. The paired pheasants painted in underglaze blue, red, and brown on this white porcelain bowl also act as a symbol of fidelity. Prunus branches on either side of the pheasants perched on craggy rocks are painted with similar pigments. Touches of overglaze green enamel are applied to the scene and the pheasants. Sprigs of peony sprouting from the rockery compliment the pheasants as symbols of beauty, affection, love, and honor. The round bowl stands on a short foot rim and has an open rimmed mouth. Two double ring borders in blue underglaze are painted above and below the natural scene depicted on the body.
Inscription
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
William T. or Henry Walters Collection, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.
Exhibitions
| 2024 | Imperial Chinese Treasures from the Walters Collection. 1991-0. |
Geographies
China (Place of Origin)
Measurements
W: 7 15/16 in. (20.1 cm)
Credit Line
Acquired by William T. or Henry Walters
Location in Museum
Not on view
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
49.698