Proud to be pink!
A very pretty, large 19th century, Qing dynasty, Chinese bulb planter. The six sided planter enamelled with a pastel pink ground colour. Each side panel painted with an alternating decoration of colourful spring time flowers in ogival shaped reserves.
The alternating reserve painted with a formal acanthus style motif. The base of the planter with two drainage holes. The planter suitable for bulbs. orchids or bonsai.
Chinese culture, has for thousands of years cultivated flowers. Bulb planters are seen in Chinese art from the Song Dynasty, (900 AD), see the detail and throughout the final Qing Dynasty. Bulb planters were used to force-grow bulbs for indoor gardens and simply for the sheer visual pleasure.
These bulb or Narcissus planters were particularly popular around the time of the lunar New Year in late January - February, when the Chinese celebrate the coming of spring. Perfect for an interior with an oriental theme.
Please see the detail taken from a 17th century Chinese scroll painting of a Narcissus planter in full flower.
Tongzhi Emperor - Circa 1870
Measurement Across 9"/23cm