GIANT CHINESE EXPORT CABBAGE LEAF CERAMIC PUNCH BOWL AND UNDERPLATE: Polychrome and gilded matched set in the cabbage leaf pattern and famille vert palette. Both pieces with long, leafy greens surrounding a lucky, gilded Shou symbol and border a band of flowers, fruit and ‘C’ scrolls, early 20th century. Punch Bowl: 15.875”d x 6.5”h; Plate 16”d x 2.875”h. In the early 19th century a new palette in Chinese ceramic decoration evolved which utilized tightly painted and gilded decoration, these were known as the ‘Rose Medallion’ family of decorations. The more careful and tightly packed the decoration, generally the higher the quality. Included within this genre are five specific patterns, 1. Rose Medallion -A central circle is surrounded by panels with alternating decoration which usually include birds, flowers, butterflies, and people in a house. Separating the panels are scrollwork vines, and flying "Fu" bats, a symbol for good luck and happiness. 2. Rose Mandarin – A variation on Rose medallion which is limited to only people in the panels. 3. Rose Canton - Omits the people and only depicts flowers and birds. 4. Cabbage – Which has a radiating design from the center of leafy greens similar to bok choy. 5. Bird and Butterfly – A rare pattern which consists of only scattered birds and butterflies. Referenced and paraphrased from: http://gotheborg.com/qa/exportforthewest.shtml
PROVENANCE: From the mass international collection of the living estate of a former Executive for Levi Strauss International, who traveled the world for the firm buying and shipping denim before retirement and as a Broker of Real Estate in San Francisco, Maine and Florida. He received a B.A. from the University of Omaha, and remains a lead Donor of their Alumni Association today; he earned his Master’s Degree at Ohio State where he served on the Dean’s Staff. He was a Vice-President, 3-term President and still Serves on the Board of Directors for the Lee Memorial Auxiliary. He is a Director on the Board for the Fort Myers Community Concert Association and Sponsor of Southwest Florida Symphony. He is also the Benefactor of Healthcare Educational and Endowment Grants - with a specific generosity for patients of HIV/AIDS, healthcare workers, & of volunteers for the sick and under-privileged.

Both are free of restoration, the bowl is free of chips and cracks the plate with expected glaze chipping from the foot of the bowl.