Item Identification: Set of 10 Chinese porcelain rice bowls

Artist/Maker Identification: Unknown Chinese manufacturer

Medium Identification: Porcelain with blue and white underglaze decoration

This set comprises 10 matching porcelain rice bowls, likely produced in China during the late 20th or early 21st century. Each bowl features a distinctive blue and white design, showcasing a stylized fish motif within circular medallions. The fish, rendered in a whimsical, almost cartoon-like style, is surrounded by bubbles or water droplets, creating a lively aquatic scene. This decorative element is repeated multiple times around the exterior of each bowl, lending a sense of continuity and rhythm to the design.

The bowls are crafted from fine white porcelain, which serves as an excellent canvas for the cobalt blue underglaze decoration. This blue and white color scheme, known as "qinghua" in Chinese, has a rich history dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and has remained popular throughout the centuries. The use of this traditional color palette combined with a more modern, playful design suggests these bowls were created to appeal to both traditional sensibilities and contemporary tastes.

The interior of each bowl is left undecorated, maintaining a pure white surface that contrasts beautifully with the exterior design. A thin blue line encircles the rim of each bowl, adding a subtle finishing touch. The bases of the bowls are marked with what appears to be a manufacturer's stamp in blue, indicating they were "Made in China."

Dimensions: Based on the ruler shown in one of the images, each bowl measures approximately 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) in diameter.

• High confidence in the item identification as Chinese porcelain rice bowls
• Medium confidence in the late 20th/early 21st century production date
• High confidence in the blue and white underglaze decoration technique
• Low confidence in the specific manufacturer, as no recognizable maker's mark is visible

some signs of use and age. The glaze on all bowls remains intact and lustrous, with no visible crazing or significant surface wear. The blue underglaze decoration retains its vibrancy, suggesting the bowls have been well-cared for over time.

Upon close inspection, there are a few minor condition issues to note. One bowl exhibits a small chip on the rim, visible in the first image. This chip, while not severely impacting the bowl's functionality, does slightly detract from its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, some of the bowls show faint signs of use, such as very light scratches or slight discoloration on the interior surfaces, which is consistent with normal use for dining purposes.

The bases of the bowls show some minimal wear, likely from contact with surfaces over time. This wear does not appear to compromise the structural integrity of the bowls but is worth noting as evidence of their use.

It's important to mention that one bowl in the set appears to have a manufacturing flaw or repair. In the first image, a small area of discoloration or possible adhesive residue is visible on the exterior near the rim. This could be the result of a manufacturing defect or a past repair attempt.

Overall, despite these minor condition issues, the set remains in good, usable condition, retaining much of its original charm and decorative appeal. The consistent appearance across the set suggests they have been kept together and treated similarly throughout their lifetime.