Lot 232. A famille rose green-ground 'lotus' altar vessel and cover, dou, Qianlong seal mark and of the period (1736-1795); 27.8cm high. Estimate HK$ 700,000 - 900,000 (€67,000 - 86,000). Sold for HK$ 1,480,000 (€ 156,116). Photo courtesy Bonhams. 

Potted above a splayed foot surmounted by a spherical body, the domed cover ending in a compressed circular knop at the tip, the exterior decorated in three tiers with each featuring four stylised lotus sprays issuing vine scrolls, bordered within various bands of gilt-decorated dense floral scrolls and downward plantain leaf lappets, all beautifully enamelled in vivid famille-rose tones above a brilliant lime green ground, the interior enamelled in a rich turquoise glaze, the underside of the cover with a six-character Imperial zhuanshu seal mark in iron-red.

Note: The dou originated as part of a complete set of altar vessels, intended for use on the Imperial altar at the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven was constructed from 1406 to 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor and is located south-east of the Imperial palace. The Daoist temple complex was visited by the Emperor himself for annual prayer ceremonies for good harvest. Each complete set of altar vessels is glazed in plain monochromes of red, blue, yellow and green, representing the different temples. The other three temples were constructed later during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor; they are the Temple of Sun (east), Temple of Earth (north) and Temple of Moon (west).

The decorative styles represented by the current lot has progressed far from its functional and ritualistic use, but has transcended into a lavish work of admiration. The use of brilliant famille rose enamels on a striking green ground, as well as the depiction of a wide variety of stylised lotus motifs, serves to engage the viewer with an overwhelming sense of beauty. 

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART. Hong Kong. 24 Nov 2013 14:00 CST