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Terms and conditions of use
Pair of bowls
Qing dynasty, Qianlong period 1736-1795
Medium
porcelain
Measurements
(a) 6.1 × 12.0 cm diameter (bowl)
(b) 6.1 × 11.9 cm diameter (bowl)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1933
Gallery location
Asian Art - Chinese Gallery
Level 1, NGV International
About this work
According to the theory of the five elements - fire, earth, water, metal and wood - yellow signifies earth and is considered one of the most beautiful and prestigious colours. Closely associated with the emperor since the Qin Dynasty (221 - 207 BCE), yellow was used to decorate royal palaces and temples, and became the colour used for imperial clothing. From the Ming dynasty onwards, emperors favoured yellow porcelain ware for its vivid beauty and the imperial power it represented.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Jingdezhen, Jiangxi province, south-east China, China
Inscription
(a) painted in blue (in zhuanshu seal script) on base c.: 大清 / 乾隆 / 年製
(b) painted in blue (in zhuanshu seal script) on base c.: 大清 / 乾隆 / 年製
Accession Number
3460.a-b-D3
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
Interior incised with stylised floral motif in double circle; exterior incised with four stylised floral motifs and scrolling clouds, lotus panel band at foot. 'Imperial yellow' glaze.