QIANLONG PERIOD (1736-1795)

The bajixiang (Eight Buddhist Emblems) is a popular decorative motif found on porcelain, cloisonné enamel, jade and lacquer, among others. The carved decoration of the present bowl may best be compared to a circular red lacquer dish dating to the same period in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, illustrated in Masterpieces of Chinese Carved Lacquer Ware in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1971, pl. 31, which exhibits similar qualities of carving and craftsmanship.