Lot 418. An inscribed blue and white 'Tea poem' quadrilobed tray, Seal mark and period of Jiaqing (1796-1820). Estimate 70,000 — 100,000 HKD. Lot sold 450,000 HKD. Photo: Sotheby's

the shallow lobed sides of quatrefoil section, resting on four small feet, the interior with a quatrefoil panel enclosing an imperial poem, set within a band of scrolling lotus and florets repeated on the exterior walls, the base inscribed with a six-character seal mark; 15.7 cm., 6 1/8  in.

Note: The imperial poem inscribed on the interior of the dish is dated to the year Jiaqing dingsi, corresponding to 1797. Written by the Emperor Jiaqing, this poem, as translated by Stephen W. Bushell  in Oriental Ceramic Art, London, 1981, p. 239, praises and advises on the proper preparation of good tea.

Sotheby's. Chinese Art, Hong Kong, 03 Dec 2015