Description:

Peony flowers, like the ones on these bowls, are often shown in Chinese art with long-tailed birds such as these mythical phoenixes. Here peonies stand for female beauty, whilst phoenixes stand for peaceful times and virtue.

An ancient legend goes that the phoenix is the king of birds and the peony flower, the king of flowers. A combination of the two means wealth and rank, a bright prospect, and happiness.

Glass, carved in relief
Height: 9.0 cm, diameter: 20.4 cm
Four-character mark of Qianlong reign (1736-1795), but later in date

Creator: Unknown

Date: 1800-1900, Qing dynasty

Copyright: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

Object ID:N4613