Lot 3166. A large blue and white 'Fish' bowl, Mark and period of Wanli (1573-1619); 32 cm., 12 7/8 in. Estimate 150,000-200,000 HKD (14,679 — 19,572 EUR). Lot sold 250,000 HKD (24,464 EUR). photo Sotheby's

well potted with deep curved sides rising from a slightly tapered foot flaring to an everted rim, painted in vivid tones of cobalt blue, the interior centred with a medallion enclosing a pair of cranes flying amongst scrolling clouds within a ring of ruyi heads, all bound by a border with further cranes in flight alternating with wisps of clouds around the rim, the exterior decorated with a wide frieze of four large fish swimming amidst smaller fish, algae and water weed, the foot skirted with a band of upright petals lappets, the countersunk base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark. 

PROVENANCE: Christie's London, 10th June 1996, lot 84

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. Hong Kong | 04 avr. 2012