Japanese Famille Rose Porcelain Basin

Garlands tied with pink bows march around the side, each one politely holding hands with the next.

This famille rose porcelain basin is from Japan, dating to the late 19th / early 20th century. Famille rose, the palette of soft pinks and pastel enamels developed in China, was widely adopted elsewhere, often in decoration made with Western tastes in mind. The deep, slightly tapered basin is painted outside with linked wreaths of pink and blue flowers, each tied with a ribbon bow. Inside, a single garland circles the well, and small sprays decorate the rim. A thin gilt line edges the lip, and it rests on a dark wood stand. It is 6.5 inches high and 18.5 in diameter.

Romance, at basin scale.