Lot 193. A large blue and white 'day lily' bowl, Jiajing six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of the period (1522-1566); 16 ¼ in. (41.3 cm.) diam. Estimate £8,000 – £12,000 ($12,312 - $18,468). Price realised GBP 10,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The bowl is boldly decorated to the exterior with a continuous scrolling leafy stem bearing large lily buds and flowers. The interior is decorated with a roundel enclosing a gnarled leafy tree with fruits and flowers. 

Notes: The auspicious meaning of a day lily, xuancao, comes from the first character, xuan, which is a traditional honorific way to refer to one's mother. This flower is also a symbol of longevity, and hence this flower could be used to signify honouring one's mother and to wish her longevity. Day lilies are also called wangyoucao (grief-dispelling plant) oryi'nancao (boy-favouring herb). It was believed that they could raise one's mood, while a pregnant woman who wore this flower could be expected to bear a male child.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS & WORKS OF ART, 10 November 2015, London, King Street