Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A vibrant, large porcelain charger or basin decorated in the Famille Verte palette, featuring a central perch-like fish surrounded by four smaller fish swimming amidst aquatic plants. The underside features four iron-red carp on the exterior wall and a central green-glazed crackle medallion containing an underglaze blue six-character Kangxi reign mark.
Story
Fish have symbolized abundance and wealth in China for millennia because the word for fish, 'yu', sounds identical to the word for surplus. This basin was crafted to bring prosperity to a household, serving as a visual pun wishing the owner a life overflowing with riches.
Maker / Origin
While bearing a Kangxi reign mark, this piece was made by skilled 20th-century artisans in Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China. These potters specialized in reviving the celebrated designs of the 17th and 18th centuries to meet a booming global demand for classical Chinese art.
Condition & Value
The basin appears to be in good overall condition with vibrant enamels. There is minor surface wear consistent with age, and the unglazed foot rim shows typical firing grit and discoloration. Excellent condition with no hairline cracks or chips commands the higher end of the range.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.