Thanks Sonny.
I bought this antique bowl for my dad after I got married as a thank you for putting up with my wedding (actually my mother's
). My dad loved antiques, Asian theme in particular. So when I first moved back to Los Angeles about 30 years ago I visited and old jeweler in Chinatown where my parents and grandparents use to purchase or repair their jewelery and antiques. The old jeweler's son was taking over the business and wanted to renovate the store. The goldfish bowl was one of the antiques he was selling off.
I've never had it proven but the jeweler said it was made in the 18th century from China. It's fine porcelain. Hand painted reliefs. A flashlight inside the bowl illuminates beautifully through the bowl. I also bought another bowl totally different design and a little smaller for myself to make an awesome deal. I know it's over at least 50 years old (Grandpa says he saw both bowls when the store first opened in the early 1950's). There is an old stamp pressed into the bottom.
When my dad passed away about 20 years ago he willed this beautiful bowl back to me. When I look at it I always remember his excitement for the bowl and the poor goldfish he tried to raise in it (the old Chinese Emperor way).
