Large Chinese Qing dynasty porcelain wash basin decorated in underglaze blue with leafy vines and sweet pea flowers set against a white ground with a pale blue tint. The exterior holds three flying bats. There are small amounts of kiln grit adhering to the unglazed foot rim. The base is glazed. 13 3/8” diameter x about 4 1/2” high. 19th century. Very good overall condition with typical minor production imperfections. This type of decoration with a sweet pea floral background was produced for the Straits Chinese communities and is also referred to as blue and white nonya ware or "Shanghai ware" (see “Straits Chinese Porcelain: A Collector’s Guide” by Ho Wing Meng). The stylized pattern of pencil style scrolling sweet pea flowers and vines symbolizes “many children.” From the private collection of a former American expatriate to Guangzhou and Beijing from 1983-1987.