Lot 7. A pair of yellow-ground famille rose 'Wan nian jia zi' saucer dishes, Iron-red Jiaqing seal marks and of the period (1796-1820). Each 11.5cm (4 1/2in) diam.. Estimate HK$ 60,000 - 80,000 (€6,900 - 9,200). Sold for HK$ 375,000 (€ 44,799). Photo: Bonhams.

Each brightly enamelled on the exterior in shades of pink, blue, green and coral-red with blooming peony interspersed with Endless Knots, alternating with four characters, wan nian jia zi, all reserved on a lemon-yellow ground, the interior with five iron-red bats encircling a stylised shou character, the base with a six-character zhuanshu iron-red seal mark (2).

Property from the Hans Goldstein Collection of Chinese Art.

Provenance: According to the family, acquired by Hans Goldstein probably between 1948-1981 and thence by descent

Note: he characters, wan nian jia zi, may be translated as 'ten thousand years of the jiazi cyclical year', corresponding to 1804. An attempt on the life of the Jiaqing emperor was made in 1803 and the 'White Lotus' rebellion which began in 1796 was finally quelled in 1804; it is therefore possible that vessels bearing the auspicious phrase were made in celebration of the military success and to wish the emperor long life. 

Compare a pair of yellow-ground famille rose dishes, but decorated on the interior with a flower head encircled by lotus scrolls instead of bats, sold at Christie's New York, 15 September 2011, lot 1634.

BONHAMS. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 4 Jun 2015 10:30 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY