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Antique Chinese Bird & Fish “Puzzle” Bowl – Late Qing / Republic Era - $395
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Rare 10" antique Chinese porcelain bowl with a 3D bird figure at center, koi fish motif, and hand-painted period workshop mark. Late Qing / early Republic era (c. 1880–1930). Authentic glaze bubbling, kiln marks, and hand-painted decoration. Minor rim chip only.
A rare and visually striking antique Chinese porcelain bowl, measuring approx. 10" diameter × 2.5" height, featuring a finely modeled 3D porcelain bird in the center and a hand-painted koi fish and aquatic plant motif in vibrant underglaze colors.
This type of novelty or “puzzle” bowl was produced during the late Qing dynasty into the early Republic period (circa 1880–1930). Such pieces were made for both decorative and functional purposes, sometimes designed to create a sound or trick when filled with liquid.
The underside carries a hand-painted underglaze blue workshop/studio mark, typical of private kiln production from this period. This is not an imperial reign mark but a characteristic sign of small-scale artistry from the Jingdezhen region and other respected porcelain centers.
Authentic Age Indicators:
Glaze bubbling and pooling on the underside from hand-firing in traditional wood or coal kilns
Slight rim chip and minor kiln grit — typical of antique production and not considered damage by collectors
Hand-painted, non-transfer decoration with subtle brushstroke variation
Condition:
Excellent overall for its age. Displays beautifully. No cracks or repairs.
Provenance:
From a private estate collection in British Columbia, fresh to the market and previously held for decades.
Collector’s Note: This is not a modern reproduction. Its form, decoration, and age indicators match documented examples from private kilns of the period. Pieces of this type and condition are increasingly hard to find and are sought after by collectors worldwide.
Photo Captions for Craigslist Upload
1. Rare antique Chinese porcelain “puzzle” bowl – hand-painted koi fish and aquatic plants.
2. Full decoration with 3D bird centerpiece from angled view.
3. Finely modeled central bird – hallmark of novelty bowls from this era.
4. Hand-painted bird features – unique brushwork, not mass-produced.
5. Detailed koi motif with visible brushstroke shading.
6. Alternate fish with rich color layering.
7. Graceful shallow profile with raised foot ring – classic display form.
8. Elegant proportions from alternate side view.
9. Underglaze blue workshop/studio mark, late Qing / Republic era.
10. Brush-painted mark – informal style typical of small-batch antique porcelain.
11. Authentic glaze bubbling from traditional kiln firing.
12. Tiny sand specks (kiln grit) from period firing methods.
13. Unpolished, hand-finished foot ring with firing residue.
14. Smooth glaze with hand-painted fish around bird centerpiece.
15. Minor rim chip – age-appropriate, does not affect display.
16. Alternate view of base mark for brushstroke clarity.
17. Bird and fish shown together – unique conversation feature.
18. Natural daylight brings out glaze sheen and color depth.
19. Measures approx. 10" × 2.5" – substantial display size.