Located in Nottingham, GB
A rare vintage Chinese Shiwan ceramic tabletop water fountain, featuring two beautifully modelled koi fish resting within an intricately formed conch shell and surrounded by sculpted aquatic foliage. Believed to date from the mid-20th century, this unusual handmade piece combines highly decorative ceramic modelling with distinctive flambé-style glazed colouring. The two koi are finished with vibrant orange, cream, black and green tones, with expressive bulbous eyes, detailed fins and flowing forms.
One of the koi has an open mouth incorporating the water outlet. The fountain is supplied with its pump, tubing, USB lead and 5V power pack, allowing water to circulate and flow from the fish's mouth into the shell below. It can also be displayed without the pump as a striking decorative ceramic sculpture.
The large conch-shell form provides an especially unusual base, with layered glaze effects and textured detailing adding to its character. The hand-painted finish, sculptural foliage and flamboyant koi make this a particularly eye-catching piece for collectors of Chinese ceramics, Shiwan pottery, koi-themed interiors and unusual decorative objects.
A wonderfully distinctive vintage statement piece that would work equally well as a tabletop fountain...
Category
Mid-20th Century Pottery Decorative Objects
MaterialsCeramic, Pottery