Lot 231. A blue and white 'Scholars' stembowl, 17th century. Diameter 5 5/8 in., 14.2 cm. Estimate 5,000 — 7,000 USD. Lot sold 18,750 USD. Photo: Sotheby's

the rounded sides rising to a flared rim, supported on a hollow stem widening towards the base, painted around the exterior with a continuous scene of sixteen scholars in various pursuits, some admiring a painting, others playing weiqi, and others discussing a book, the interior painted with a medallion enclosing a scholar seated in a garden setting. 

Note: Porcelains depicting scholarly pursuits were popular during the Transitional period from late Ming to Early Qing and into the Kangxi period. Traditionally a gentleman scholar manifested his skill in the 'Four Accomplishments'; calligraphy, the game of chess or weiqi, painting and playing the qin.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. New York | 18 Mar 2014, 10:30 AM