Chinese Export Cabbage Leaf Punch Bowl with Butterflies, Circa 1920-30, 30cm

Chinese punch bowl in the famille rose palette, finely hand painted with overlapping cabbage leaves and butterflies, with a shou symbol in the centre (a symbol for longevity and good health).

An impressive bowl with the enamel in excellent condition. There is a small surface firing crack on the underside of base, but the bowl is sound and rings true.

The Cabbage Leaf pattern was introduced on Chinese export items in the 19th century. Its forms are the same as those of Canton in the 1840s. Early examples sometimes bear an 18th century Qianlong mark. This example has a red ‘Made in China’ stamp, indicating it was made in the early part of the 20th century.