TWO BOWLS WITH BLOSSOMS AND MYTHICAL CREATURES
Stoneware and porcelain with cobalt-blue painting
China, Ming dynasty (1368-1644)
Both bowls have curved sides and fine painting both inside and outside. One bowl features a string of ruyi motifs, above which are blossoms with branched tendrilwork. In the well of the bowl is a stylized blossom inside of two concentric rings. The other, slightly heavier bowl (stoneware) features numerous, humorously paint-ed legendary creatures, all similar to a shizi, the "lion dog", but clumsy and with large, demonically glowing eyes and a mane of flames. Between the animals, tendril work wells up. In the bowl's well is a wide double-ring with another shizi.
Dimensions: HEIGHT 5.8 CM & 6.7 CM, DIAMETER APPROX. 15 CM
Condition: One bowl shows small chips on the foot, a hairline crack; otherwise, good, original condition. The other shows craquelure, small chips on the edge, deposit built up; also good, original condition
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Mechthild Borries-Knopp, Germany