A heavy, colorful, very large soup tureen made for the export market by the Chinese with hand painted designs of butterflies, flowers, birds and fruit. A very large porcelain molded shaped tureen with matching lid that has a thick white glaze with polychrome paintings of flowers, fruit, birds and butterflies. The painting of the designs is finely done with very minute detailing. The shallow foot ring with narrow iron line is unglazed but the deep indented base is. There are applied handles and a large berry like knob on the lid. The underside rim of the lid is unglazed. The interior of the tureen and lid are glazed. The glazes are thick, soft feeling and look shiny. Gilding has been used throughout such as on the lid knob, the handles and accents to the flowers and butterflies. Provenance: From the Ellis Family collection. Most of the collection was acquired by Dr Robert Hale Ellis of Portland, Oregon during his regular visits to China and Japan as a physician during the first quarter of the 20th Century. **Please note that we have listed several other large coordinating bowls and platters from this estate. Please inquire if you are interested** MEASUREMENTS 14” (35.6 cm) long x 10 ½” (26.7 cm)wide x 10 ½” (26.7 cm) tall. Weighs 10 lb 1.6 oz (4580 g) CONDITION There is a deep crack or repair on one handle. There are no other cracks, or breaks. There is a small chip to the underside rim of the lid. There is gilding wear on the knob, handles and mouth rims, and slight wear to the tail feathers on one of the birds. There are kiln flaws such as black spots, reserve spots, and pimples. The glazes are still bright and vibrant. A great large tureen with delicate, colorful paintings. You could use it even today to serve soup.