Lot 3111. A large white-glazed porcelain dish, Yongle period (1403-1425); 15 7/8 in. (40.5 cm) diam. Estimate USD 40,000 – USD 60,000. Price realised USD 50,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The dish is well potted with rounded sides rising from the circular foot to a slightly lipped rim, and is covered inside and out with a thick white glaze. The base is unglazed. 

Provenance: Hal B. Wallis (1898-1986) Collection.

Note: Compare the similar dish of slightly smaller size (15 1/8 in.) illustrated by J. Ayers, Chinese Ceramics: The Koger Collection, London, 1985, p. 71, no. 48, which is dated early 15th century, and is described as being covered with a "thick, almost colorless glaze." Seven similar plain white-glazed dishes ranging in size from 31 to 38 cm. diameter, and dated early 15th century, are in the Topkapi Saray, and one is illustrated by R. Krahl and J. Ayers in Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum Istanbul, vol. II, London, 1986, p. 522, no. 625, where the glaze is described as "thick milky white." See, also, the similar dish of smaller size (34.2 cm.), dated Yongle period, illustrated by J. Harrison-Hall in Catalogue of Late Yuan and Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, London, 2001, p. 103, no. 3:8.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 15 - 16 March 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza