A Qing Dynasty Jingdezhen Export Benjarong Bowl with Buddhist Figures and a Chinese Copper Cloisonné Enamel Bowl
The present lot comprises two finely crafted decorative bowls representing two distinguished enamel traditions of Asia: a Qing dynasty Jingdezhen export Benjarong bowl made for the Siamese market and a Chinese copper cloisonné enamel bowl. Although produced for different cultural audiences, both objects demonstrate the remarkable artistic exchange that flourished across Asia through the medium of brilliantly colored enamel decoration.
The larger porcelain bowl is an excellent example of Benjarong ware, one of the finest ceramic traditions produced for the royal court of Siam (present-day Thailand). While decorated according to Thai court aesthetics, Benjarong porcelain was traditionally manufactured in Jingdezhen, China's celebrated porcelain center, before being exported to Siam, where it was reserved primarily for members of the royal family and the aristocracy. The term Benjarong derives from the Sanskrit pañca-raṅga, meaning "five colors," referring to the rich overglaze enamel palette that distinguishes these luxurious wares.
The exterior is decorated with Buddhist figures standing amid stylized flames and scrolling foliage reserved against a black ground, framed by elaborate geometric and floral borders in yellow, green, iron red, and white enamels. The interior is covered with a brilliant turquoise enamel and centered with a floral medallion enclosed by concentric decorative bands. The harmonious balance of vibrant colors and intricate ornamentation reflects the sophisticated artistic collaboration between Chinese porcelain manufacture and Thai court taste during the Qing dynasty. Benjarong porcelains remain among the finest examples of cross-cultural ceramic production in Asia and continue to be highly appreciated by collectors of both Chinese export porcelain and Thai decorative arts.
Accompanying the Benjarong bowl is a Chinese copper cloisonné enamel bowl decorated with lotus blossoms and scrolling clouds reserved against a white enamel ground. The interior is centered with the Chinese character shou (壽), enclosed within a lotus-petal medallion, while the center of the exterior base is decorated with a peach motif. Together, the shou character, lotus blossoms, auspicious clouds, and peach symbolize longevity, purity, prosperity, and good fortune. Executed in brilliantly colored enamels separated by delicate copper cloisons, the bowl exemplifies the refined craftsmanship achieved by Chinese cloisonné workshops during the late Qing dynasty and the Republican period.
Although created for different cultural traditions, these two bowls embody a shared appreciation for brilliant enamel colors, auspicious symbolism, and meticulous craftsmanship. Together they provide an engaging comparison between two of Asia's most celebrated decorative arts while illustrating the vibrant artistic exchanges that connected China and Southeast Asia through ceramics and enamelwork.
Dimensions
Jingdezhen Export Benjarong Bowl with Buddhist Figures: Height 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm); Diameter 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm).
Chinese Copper Cloisonné Enamel Bowl: Height 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm); Diameter 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm).
清代 景德镇外销宾乍隆佛纹大碗及中国铜胎掐丝珐琅碗
本组拍品包括一件清代景德镇外销宾乍隆佛纹大碗及一件中国铜胎掐丝珐琅碗，分别代表中国外销瓷与中国珐琅工艺两种极具特色的艺术传统。两件作品虽然服务于不同的文化背景，却共同展现了亚洲地区对于绚丽色彩、吉祥寓意与精湛工艺的不懈追求，也见证了中国与东南亚之间长期而密切的艺术交流。
宾乍隆瓷（Benjarong）是中国景德镇专为暹罗王室烧造的高级外销瓷器，也是中泰陶瓷交流最具代表性的品种之一。宾乍隆一词源自梵文“Pañca-raṅga”，意为“五色”，因采用丰富华丽的低温珐琅彩装饰而得名。此类瓷器自清代以来主要供暹罗皇室及贵族使用，虽然胎体烧造于景德镇，但纹饰、色彩及装饰风格完全依照泰国宫廷审美设计，因此成为中国外销瓷中最具地域特色的品类之一。
本件宾乍隆大碗外壁以黑彩为地，绘佛教人物、火焰纹及卷草纹，并配以黄彩、绿彩、铁红及白彩等多种珐琅色，层次丰富，色彩鲜艳。内壁满施浓郁的绿松石色釉，中心饰团花纹样，外围环绕数周几何纹及花卉边饰，布局严谨而富于变化。整器色彩对比鲜明，装饰华丽而不失秩序，充分体现了景德镇制瓷工匠高超的彩绘技艺，以及中国制瓷工艺与泰国宫廷艺术完美融合的独特风格。宾乍隆瓷不仅是中国外销瓷的重要组成部分，也是泰国皇室文化的重要物证，至今仍深受中国外销瓷及东南亚艺术收藏家的重视。
另一件铜胎掐丝珐琅碗以白地为底，通体饰莲花与祥云纹。碗内中心饰“寿”字，外围环绕莲瓣纹；外底中心绘寿桃纹。寿字、寿桃、莲花与祥云共同寓意长寿、吉祥、纯净与福瑞，是中国传统装饰艺术中极具代表性的吉祥纹样。器物采用铜胎掐丝工艺，以细铜丝勾勒纹样，再填施各色珐琅釉，经反复烧制与磨光而成，充分体现了晚清至民国时期中国掐丝珐琅工艺成熟精湛的制作水平。
本组两件器物分别代表中国外销瓷与中国珐琅工艺的发展成就。虽然来源不同、服务对象不同、装饰语言亦各具特色，但都以绚丽的珐琅色彩、丰富的文化寓意和精湛的工艺水平著称，共同展现了中国工艺美术在亚洲文化交流中的重要地位，也为研究清代中国与东南亚之间的贸易、艺术与文化互动提供了珍贵的实物资料。
尺寸
景德镇外销宾乍隆佛纹大碗：高3 1/8英寸（7.9厘米）；直径5 3/4英寸（14.6厘米）。
中国铜胎掐丝珐琅碗：高3 3/4英寸（9.5厘米）；直径7 1/4英寸（18.4厘米）。
Contact Asian Art Department for condition report.
