A pair of 'famille-rose' 'phoenix' bowls. Qing dynasty, Daoguang period

each with the rounded sides colorfully painted in pink, pale blue, lime green and yellow on the exterior with four stylized phoenix with outstretched wings, encircled by hibiscus scrolls, supported on a short straight foot, the base with a four-character shengde tang zhi mark in iron-red, Japanese wooden box (3) - diameter 5 3/4 in., 14.6 cm - Estimate: 10,000—15,000 USD - Lot Sold: 10,000 USD

NOTE: The mark refers to the 'Hall for the Cultivation of Virtue', built within the Old Summer Palace for the Daoguang emperor. It was there that he passed away, ten years before the entire Palace was destroyed by European troops.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art including Chinese and Japanese Art from The Collection of Frieda and Milton Rosenthal. 16 Sep 08. www.sotheby's.com