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This is a photograph of a porcelain cup. The cup has a decorative design with aquatic elements, including paintings of carp swimming amidst stylized waves in shades of green and blue. The fish, painted in a reddish-brown hue, appear graceful and dynamic, their bodies partially submerged, creating a sense of movement. Above the aquatic scene are geometric patterns in blue. The overall appearance is elegant and intricate, showcasing a blend of nature-inspired artistry and traditional craftsmanship.
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This is a photograph of a porcelain cup. The cup has a decorative design with aquatic elements, including paintings of carp swimming amidst stylized waves in shades of green and blue. The fish, painted in a reddish-brown hue, appear graceful and dynamic, their bodies partially submerged, creating a sense of movement. Above the aquatic scene are geometric patterns in blue. The overall appearance is elegant and intricate, showcasing a blend of nature-inspired artistry and traditional craftsmanship.

National Gallery of Art · Decorative Art

Bowl

Chinese Qing Dynasty

Date
Kangxi period, 1662/1722
Medium
porcelain with underglaze blue and overglaze doucai enamel decoration
Dimensions
overall: 6.9 x 12.5 cm (2 11/16 x 4 15/16 in.)
Classification
Decorative Art · Ceramic
Accession number
1972.43.39
Credit line
Harry G. Steele Collection, Gift of Grace C. Steele
Time span
1651 to 1700
Department
CSD
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Chinese
  • Decorative Arts. Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings; Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets
  • overglaze decoration
  • underglaze decoration
  • Kangxi
  • doucai enamel decoration
Provenance

Harry G. Steele [1881-1942], Pasadena; his widow, Grace C. Steele [d. 1974]; gift 1972 to NGA.

Inscription

in standard script on the base in underglaze blue in two columns of three characters each: Da Qing Kangxi nian zhi (made in the Kangxi reign of the great Qing dynasty)

NGA object ID 53346. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.