The story of the Cowherd and the Fairy Weaver is derived from mythology; the two lovers were reputedly separated by the Milky Way and could only meet once every year on the 7th night of the 7th moon, when magpies dovetailed their wings to form a bridge between them. The couple are traditionally thought to be symbolised by the two constellations, Altair and Vega.

Compare a Daoguang bowl of this pattern illustrated by Dr. G. G. Avitable, From the Dragon's Treasure, England, 1987, no. 40, p. 43, and a similar bowl sold in these Rooms, 27 April 1997, lot 768.