Chinese Doucai Porcelain 'Eight Buddhist Treasures' Circular Box and Cover

Story

During the Qing dynasty, the bat was not a creature of the night to be feared, but a messenger of pure joy. Because the Chinese word for bat ('fu') sounds identical to the word for good fortune, artists painted them in groups of five to represent the Five Blessings: longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue, and a peaceful death.

Maker / Origin

While bearing the imperial mark of the Yongzheng Emperor—a period renowned for producing some of the finest, most delicate porcelain in Chinese history—this box is a later tribute piece. In Chinese ceramic history, copying earlier reign marks was not done to deceive, but as a profound mark of respect and reverence for the golden ages of craftsmanship that came before.

Condition & Value

The photos show some typical wear to the unglazed foot rim and the inner mating rims of the box and cover. There is a dark residue or minor staining along the inner rim of the lower box. No major cracks or large chips are immediately visible, but the enamel surfaces should be inspected for light scratching.