Antique Chinese Rose Mandarin Covered Sugar Bowl

• China, circa 1840
• Dimensions: 6 inches tall

A charming 19th century Antique Chinese Covered Sugar Bowl in the highly desirable Rose Mandarin pattern. Actually Rose Mandarin is a more formalized pattern that depicts Chinese figures pursuing leisurely activities. The figural panels are often surrounded by a fanciful border of scrolling foliage and floral workmanship. This pattern is earlier than Rose Medallion as examples exist from the 18th century. It is quite similar in color palette to the Rose Medallion pieces as well as both patterns have people depicted in the hand painted scenes. One of the differences between the two patterns is that Rose Mandarin’s main focus is depicting people while Rose Medallion shows both people and objects such as birds, flowers and fruits.

A lovely Antique 19th century Rose Mandarin Covered Shaped Sugar Bowl. The detail work on this piece is exceptional with scenes of birds, fruits and flowers interspersed with scenes of people. This design resonates throughout the piece as it is carried out on the bulbous bottom, the next level and the lid. Two knobs are on the sugar bowl. They depict scowling faces which is more for decoration (perhaps angry deities?) than being used as handles. A berry finial is on top of the original domed lid which enhances the workmanship on this bowl. With a wonderful color palette, this Antique 19th century Chinese Rose Mandarin Covered Sugar Bowl is quite special.