Eight-sided Bowl Item Number: Edz1041 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Footed bowl with scalloped rim. Interior is glazed turquoise except for a white band at the rim; exterior has butterfly and floral designs on sides and orange wavy and straight line design on side of foot. Red stamp on inside of foot.
History Of Use
Wealthier families owned large numbers of dishes of this type to have on hand for banquets held on festive occasions such as the marriage of a son. They were used for the serving of special festival foods. Few families were able to own a set of this size, but they would loan them to others and replace them if they were broken.
Cultural Context
domestic; festival
Iconographic Meaning
In Chinese culture, butterflies are a symbol of marital happiness.
Narrative
This bowl was purchased in a shop in Macao that sold second-hand goods and antiques.
Item History
- Made in Macau
- Collected by Elizabeth L. Johnson during 1980
- Owned by Elizabeth L. Johnson before March 17, 1980
- Received from Elizabeth L. Johnson (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on March 17, 1980
What
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Field Collector
- Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Previous Owner
- Elizabeth L. Johnson
- Received from
- Elizabeth L. Johnson (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Macau
When
- Collection Date
- during 1980
- Ownership Date
- before March 17, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on March 17, 1980
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0610/0011