This bowl has plain curved sides enamelled with circular panels of Dogs of Fo (lions) in brilliant turquoise and aubergine, which has bubbled in places. These panels are surrounded by the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism. The interior, also with a yellow ground, is enamelled with lotus, peony and chrysanthemum sprays. Three insects and a butterfly at the bottom.

This bowl was considered to be one of a small group of mid-16th century enamelled wares at the time of its purchase, hence the high price paid for it in 1949, despite it being both cracked and chipped. It can be compared to others in the Salting Collection, Victoria & Albert Museum and the Baur Collection, Geneva. The Duberlys conserved the letters regarding its date, which end with one from John Ayers of the Victoria & Albert Museum putting all the known examples firmly into the 17th century.

Literature: Anthony du Boulay, The Duberly Collection of Chinese Art at Winchester College (Winchester, 2019), pp. 51-52; Anthony du Boulay, Chinese Porcelain (London, 1963), fig. 60

Exhibited: Burlington House, London, International Exhibition of Chinese Art, 1935-1936, no. 1948

Provenance: Bequeathed as part of the Duberly Collection, 1978; purchased by Major Montagu and Lady Eileen Duberly from John Sparks, 15 October 1949 (£550); formerly in the Collection of Mr and Mrs Alfred Clark

Location: Treasury, Gallery 2