A fine carved celadon-glazed bowl, Seal mark and period of Yongzheng
A fine carved celadon-glazed bowl, Seal mark and period of Yongzheng. Photo: Sotheby's
the deep rounded sides carved in relief on the exterior with a wide band of peonies in full bloom issuing from scrolling stems below a thin band around the rim enclosing an undulating cloud scroll, all supported on a low straight foot incised with a key-fret band, the interior incised with a central peony medallion framed by further peony scrolls around the sides, all below a key-fret border at the rim, covered overall in an even pale green glaze, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark; 26.7 cm., 10 1/2 in. Estimate 1,000,000 — 1,200,000 HKD
Provenance: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 20th May 1981, lot 812.
Note: A closely related bowl, from the collection of W.W. Winkworth, was sold in our London rooms, 12th December 1972, lot 166; and two were sold in these rooms, the first, 11th May 1983, lot 120, and the second, 8th April 2011, lot 3007. Compare a Qianlong version of this bowl, sold in these rooms, 7thMay 2002, lot 600.
The Yongzheng emperor's enthusiasm for ancient art objects and innovation is clearly displayed in the present bowl. The elegant scrolling flower motif is reminiscent of early 15th century blue and white imperial porcelain, while the glaze has been made to imitate celebrated Longquan celadon ware. By combining the two together, the potter has succeeded in creating a contemporary and elegant bowl suitable to the taste of its time. For a Yongle blue and white basin of related form, but of larger size, decorated with a similar peony scroll beneath a classic scroll border at the rim, see one from the collections of George Eumorfopoulos, Sir David Hume, Bt., and the British Rail Pension Fund, sold in these rooms, 16th May 1989, lot 15.
Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Hong Kong | 08 Apr 2014 -www.sothebys.com