The shape of the present bowl appears to be a revival of a form that was popular in the early 15th century, although the delicately painted subject-matter is more typical of the late Kangxi and early Yongzheng reigns. The overall scheme and use of space on the bowl is in keeping with that developed in the Yongzheng period, but the inclusion of amusing insects recalls those seen on famille verte porcelains of the Kangxi reign. Compare the painting style to the Kangxi-marked 'birthday' dish designed with insects offered in this same sale, lot 553. The reign mark written three columns further indicates an early manufacture in the Yongzheng period.

For nearly identical bowls with covers see an example in the Palace Museum, Beijing, Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong, Hong Kong, 1989, p. 200, pl. 29; from the W. G. Gulland Bequest, illustrated by J. Ayers, Far Eastern Ceramics in the Victoria and Albert Museum, col. pl. 62; and from the K. R. Malcolm Collection, included in the London O.C.S. Exhibition, The Arts of the Ch'ing Dynasty, 1964, illustrated in the Catalogue, no. 199, and sold in these Rooms, The Imperial Sale, 30 April 2000, lot 592.