An extremely rare Yaozhou molded floral bowl, Song Dynasty (AD960-1279). Estimate HKD120,000 - 160,000 (TWD486,000 - 648,000) (USD15,500 - 20,600). Photo courtesy Ravenel.

This bowl in the shape of a ten-petaled blossom has a wide belly, and its scalloped rim curves inwards very slightly. The vessel rests on a round foot, and its interior walls are decorated with imprints of tendril vine patterns, while the bottom shows a chrysanthemum design. The whole bowl is covered with Yao ware celadon glaze of a deep, comparatively opaque hue and refined aesthetic appeal. In its entirety, the bowl is designed to resemble a blooming chrysanthemum. Floral imprints are the main type of decorative design used in Yaozhou ceramics, although other motifs, such as animals or human figures, are also used, especially for more stylized designs. Bowls of this particular shape are very rare, making this a very valuable addition to any collection. MD: 12.6 cm

PROVENANCE: Old Private Hong Kong Collection

Ravenel Spring Auction 2015 Hong Kong. Literati Sublimation - Oriental Arts for the Chinese Scholars. Tuesday, June 2, 2015, 3:30 PM. Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel Boardroom, Mezzanine Floor, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong