Lot 340: A CHINESE CANTON FAMILLE ROSE PORCELAIN BOWL AND DISH FOR THE PERSIAN MARKET, DATED 1299 AH (1881 AD)

A large Chinese export porcelain punch bowl and matching deep underplate, specifically commissioned for the Persian Qajar market. These late 19th-century Qing Dynasty pieces are decorated in overglaze famille rose enamels and gilding in the Canton style. The exterior of the bowl and the face of the plate feature a dense gold-ground scrolling foliage border interspersed with flowers and butterflies. Both pieces include four lobed medallions: two containing naturalistic scenes of birds, butterflies, and blossoming peonies, and two containing calligraphic inscriptions. The interior of the bowl features a central floral medallion and a matching continuous floral and butterfly border at the rim. The hand-painted black calligraphy is written in Persian/Arabic script and reads literally in three lines: خا اجل اکرم (Kha ajal akram), صاحب دیوان (Sahib Diwan), and دام اجلاله ۱۲۹۹ (Dam ajlaluhu 1299). This identifies the piece as a commission for the high-ranking official Sahib Diwan and includes the honorific Dam ajlaluhu, meaning May his glory endure. The date 1299 AH corresponds to approximately 1881-1882 AD. The underside of the plate displays an unglazed footring.

Plate diameter: 27cm

Bowl diameter: 23cm, H: 10cm