AN UNUSUAL TURQUOISE-GROUND AND FAMILLE-ROSE NARCISSUS BOWL SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

well potted with eight lobes, the shallow flared sides supported on four ruyi-shaped feet, brightly enamelled and outlined in gilt to each lobe with a large lotus bloom borne on a leafy composite floral scroll interlinked by a ruyi-shaped head, below a gilt band at the rim, all reserved on a pale-blue turquoise ground, the interior of a slightly greener tone, with a stylised pink keyfret to the rim, the base inscribed in gilt with the six-character seal mark

The present piece belongs to a group of special wares, commissioned by the Qianlong Emperor, that are painted in the brilliant famille-rose enamels against a strong background colour, such as turquoise, to enhance the overall design. The use of turquoise-ground is especially sucessful as it gives the piece a flamboyantly rich feel. The Qianlong emperor had a taste for ornamentation and show, and was never afraid to experiment with new techniques and mediums.  Qianlong's fondness for simulations in ceramics is well represented in this vibrantly decorated narcissus bowl. 

Although no other bowl of this shape appears to have been recorded, compare a pair of related turquoise-ground famille-rose narcissus bowls of rectangular section also with gilt Qianlong seal marks, from the Edward T. Chow collection, sold in these rooms, 19th May 1981, lot 596; and another pair sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1st November 2004, lot 1150.