Lot 240. A fine  and rare small 'wucai' bowl, Wanli mark and period (1573-1620); diameter 3 1/2 in., 9 cm. Estimate 40,000 - 60,000 USD. Lot sold 98,500 USD. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's 2010

the shallow rounded sides above a short slightly tapered foot, the exterior delicately painted with pairs of ducks between clusters of lotus flowers, the center of the interior further decorated with a medallion of four ruyi-heads encircling a coin motif, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark in underglaze blue

Note: The image of pairs of ducks swimming amongst lotus flowers is a popular motif in Chinese art as it symbolizes the wish for many sons and a harmonious marriage. The present bowl is rare as this subject is more commonly  depicted on dishes or vases. Compare, for instance, two examples in the collection of the Palace Museum, illustrated in Porcelains in Polychrome and Contrasting Colours. The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 1999, pp. 24-25, no. 22 and pp. 27-28, nos. 24 and 25.

Lot 241. A fine 'wucai' 'Immortals' bowl, Wanli Mark And Period (1573-1620); diameter 6 3/4 in., 17.3 cm. Estimate 60,000 - 80,000 USD. Lot sold 122,500 USD. Photo: Courtesy Sotheby's 2010 

painted on the interior with a ferocious dragon amongst clouds and foliage, within a border of floral sprays on the rim, the exterior well-painted with a continuous scene of the Eight Immortals beneath pine and willow trees, all below a lingzhi scroll at the rim, the base inscribed with a six-character reign mark in underglaze-blue.

Note: A pair of identical bowls from the Christina Loke Balsara Collection, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 19th January 1988, lot 263. Another similar bowl with a related subject of Shoulao sold in our London rooms, 9th June 1987, lot 244.

Sotheby's. Fine Ceramics and works of Art. 15 Sept 2010. New York