This bowl is an example of Peranakan Chinese porcelain or Nyonya ware made from overglaze polychrome enamelled porcelain. It carries the reign mark “Da Qing Tongzhi nian zhi”, suggesting that the piece was manufactured during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi from 1862 to 1874. The decorative motifs include orange and pink butterflies amidst deep orange floral motifs. Key frets form a red decorative border along the rim of the piece. Butterflies are symbols of joy, beauty and romance. When placed together with flowers, they signify marital happiness and fidelity.