Chinese Tea Bowl with Buddhist Objects, Red Qianlong Mark, probably Guangxu Period (1875-1908)

A Chinese tea bowl in Famille Rose enamels with the eight Buddhist objects. The bottom has a carefully painted Qianlong zhuanshu mark in red. This particular design may be found during the Tongzhi period (1856 –1875) but faux Qianlong marks only started being used during the Guangxu reign (1875-1908).

The enamels are in generally good condition. There is a small 2mm chip and a hairline crack.

Buddhist missionaries brought the eight symbols (Ashtamangala) from India to China.

Royal Emblems:
1) The Canopy, parasol or umbrella is the symbol of a monarch, and represents spiritual authority and shelter for all living beings.
2) The Conch shell represents wisdom in the voice of Buddha calling people to worship. Shells which spiral clockwise are a rarity and are considered especially sacred.
3) The Sacred Vase holds the water of life, but it also symbolises longevity, abundance and prosperity.
4) The Royal Banner symbolizes charity and the incorruptible official.

Symbols of Buddhist Belief:
5) The Wheel of Life represents the ever-turning wheel of transmigration of the soul and it symbolises the Buddhist teachings as well.
6) A Pair of Fish is a symbol of tenacity, domestic felicity, and fertility.
7) The Endless Knot is a symbol of longevity and eternity. As a fundamental truth of Buddhism, the knot symbolises cyclical change of all things.
8) Rising unsullied through muddy water, the Lotus Flower is a symbol of purity and enlightenment.