Lot 3195. A fine doucai 'floral' winecup, Mark and period of Yongzheng (1723-1735); 7.3 cm., 2 7/8  in. Estimate 200,000 - 300,000 HKD. Lot sold 3,400,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's 2013

delicately potted, with flared sides supported on a short straight foot, finely decorated on the exterior with four roundels of chrysanthemums set against densely painted leaves and attendant buds, the petals in iron-red, yellow and puce, around cross-hatched stamens, divided by stylised pairs of lotus sprays alternating yellow and iron-red colours, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within double squares

PROVENANCE: Collection of George S. Palmer, New London, Connecticut.
Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., New York, 12th & 13th March 1975, lot 453 (one of a pair)

NOTE: A pair of Yongzheng winecups of this size and pattern from the Edward T. Chow Collection was sold in these rooms 25th November 1980, lot 132. Compare also a pair of larger bowls of the same design, sold in these rooms 20th May, 1981, lot 827 and illustrated in Chinese Porcelain, The S.C. Ko Tianminlou Collection, Hong Kong, vol. II, 1987, p. 143, pl. 100, where it is noted that pieces with the reign mark in a double square 'tend to have meticulous painting,pale colours, thin body and elegant appearance'.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Hong Kong | 08 avr. 2013