Chinese Export Style Fish Bowl (Jardinière / Planter)
Other: Decorative Accessory / Planter · Chinoiserie - Modern Reproduction (Late 20th Century) · Likely a Chinese decorative arts manufacturer for the export market (e.g., Toyo or similar decor brands)
Type
Other: Decorative Accessory / Planter
Style Period
Chinoiserie - Modern Reproduction (Late 20th Century)
Material
High-fired porcelain/ceramic with polychrome enamels and gold gilt accents
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-2010; late 20th to early 21st century
Dimensions
Height: 12-14 inches, Diameter: 14-16 inches; typical of medium-sized floor or pedestal planters
Origin
Likely People's Republic of China; contemporary production for Western interior design markets
Designer/Maker
Likely a Chinese decorative arts manufacturer for the export market (e.g., Toyo or similar decor brands)
Value Estimate
$75 - $225 USD (Secondary market/Retail); value depends on size and whether a matching mahogany stand is included.
Description
A vibrant porcelain fish bowl or jardinière featuring a classicized Western fox hunting scene interpreted through a Chinese artistic lens. The piece boasts a wide, flat rim decorated with hounds, a bright sky-blue body, and a white-glazed interior often intended for goldfish or large indoor plants. Its bulbous silhouette and gilded highlights make it a bold statement piece for traditional or eclectic interiors.
Key Features
Flat decorated rim with gold trim; equestrian hunting scene; interior floral motifs; sky-blue ground color; heavy vitreous ceramic body
Color & Finish
Sky blue exterior ground with a peach/salmon rim; features a multi-color palette (greens, purples, browns) and a bright gold-gilt polished rim
Construction Method
Mold-formed ceramic, likely slip-cast, with hand-painted or transfer-printed decal decorations and hand-applied overglaze enamels
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Seamless ceramic construction; precision of the rim banding suggests modern industrial manufacturing rather than antique hand-potting
Wood Grain & Species
None; ceramic material mimics traditional porcelain
Surface Treatment
Glazed and enamel-painted; features a 'Hunting Scene' motif with equestrian figures, trees, and hounds
Upholstery Details
None; solid ceramic construction
Hardware & Fittings
None; typically used with a separate carved wooden stand (not pictured)
Origin & Provenance
Likely People's Republic of China; contemporary production for Western interior design markets
Condition Notes
Very Good; no visible cracks or chips. Minor shelf wear on the base and slight rubbing to the gold gilt on the rim edge. Appearance is clean with no crazing.
Interesting Facts
While originally designed for holding goldfish in Chinese courtyards, Westerners popularized these as 'Fish Bowls' for use as high-end planters or umbrella stands in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Cultural Significance
Represents the long-standing tradition of 'Chinoiserie', where Eastern artisans created goods specifically designed to appeal to Western tastes and narratives (like the European hunt).
Similar Pieces
Rose Medallion or Famille Rose planters; distinguished by the specific fox-hunting subject matter rather than traditional Chinese courtyard scenes.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap and water; avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the gold gilt or enamel. Protect from freezing if used outdoors to prevent cracking.
Value Estimate
$75 - $225 USD (Secondary market/Retail); value depends on size and whether a matching mahogany stand is included.
Sustainability Notes
Ceramic is a long-lasting, durable material, though the firing process is energy-intensive. Generally considered sustainable due to its long lifecycle and lack of VOC emissions.