During the 18th and 19th centuries, a destinctive Chinese community evolved in Peninsular Malaya. The group flourished in the former British colonies along the Straits of Malacca, namely Panang, Malacca and Singapore. The community is referred to as Straits Chinese, also known as Chinese Baba or simply Baba, the women are referred to as Nonya. The customs and traditions of this group are a curious blend of influences derived from Chinese and Malay cultures.
The distinctive, predominantly famille rose Straits Chinese wares were generally produced in China and made to satisfy baba/nonya tastes. The wares had to confirm to specifications laid down by overseas clients, these included the types of utensils, the range of shapes and sizes for each type of article, the kinds of decorative motifs and the manner with which the enamels were to be applied to the designs.
The predominant theme of these designs depicts a luxuriant clump of blossoming peonies with one or more pairs of phoenix perching on some rocks or a branch. Border patterns are invariably represented by the pa chi hsiang, of Eight Happy Emblems, derived from Buddhist art. Occasionally the pa pao, or Eight Precious Objects may also be included, though not always in their full complement. The symbols inherant in most of these wares are related to marriage, fertility, the South, peace and prosperity.

This dish was made in China. The mark on bottom 'Da Qing Kuang Xu Nian Zhi', Made during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor, Qing Dynasty.

This dish was made 1874-1907 during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor.

This serving dish was collected by the donors mother while she was living in Kuala Lumpur during the late 1940s. She would purchase wares from itinerant crockery vendors.

Serving dish, famille rose, porcelain, China, 1874-1907.
Serving dish with large short foot decorated with wave design. Inside has a light green ground with phoenix and peony design, pink border with eight Buddhist symbols, lotus, endless knot etc. Underneath has white ground with floral spray decoration. Dull gold trim around rim. Orange mark on bottom in Chinese, Da Qing Guang Xu Nian Zhi, Made during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor, Qing Dynasty.

Made: Straits Chinese People; China; 1874 - 1907

Made: Straits Chinese People; Malaysia; 1874 - 1907


Owned: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Orange mark on base in Chinese 'Da Qing Guang Xu Zhi' (Made during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor, Qing Dynasty).

2000/18/14

1874 - 1907