the lobed rounded bowl raised on a spreading foot and rising to a flat, broad rim supporting the domed cover with shou medallions garlanded in lotus meander, the rim and body with stylized lotus blossoms amidst leafy vines and archaistic motifs, all on a bright blue enameled field, the interior set with gilt metal liner (3)

Collection of Raphael Pumpelly (1837-1923), Rhode Island, and thence by descent. 

Raphael Pumpelly (1837-1923) was a prominent and intrepid American geologist and explorer. In the latter half of the 19th century, he conducted mineralogical surveys in northern China, Japan, the Gobi Desert, and several parts of the United States. Pumpelly pursued mining operations throughout the U.S. and was a leading figure in the nascent U.S. Geological Survey. Pumpellyite, a mineral first found in Keweenaw County, Michigan, is named in his honor.