Bowl with katydid and begonias, one of a pair
Place of OriginBeijing, China
Dateapprox. 1920-1940
MaterialsPorcelain with overglaze polychrome decoration
DimensionsH. 3 in x Diam. 5 7/8 in, H. 7.6 cm x Diam. 14.9 cm
Credit LineMuseum purchase, Arthur W. Barney Estate Fund
Object numberB82P2.2
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on viewMarkingsunderglaze six-character mark in two columns
More Information民國江皁景德汒窯粉彩砸砸秋海棠碗
HIDDEN MEANING: May your children be as numerous as grasshoppers (zhongsi yanqing 硃斯瞳慶)!
The Chinese word for katydid (guoguo 蟈蟈) sounds similar to the phrase "older brother" (gege 哥哥), which can be applied to any boy. This motif conveys a wish for numerous sons. Katydids, crickets, and grasshoppers share this meaning.
The katydid is considered an auspicious insect because its name, which in some dialects is pronounced guoer (蟈兒), also sounds similar to the word for "official" (guan’er 官兒).
approx. 1920-1940
1920-1940
approx. 1621-1627
