Lot 1125. A rare carved Yaozhou 'Peony' bowl, Northern Song dynasty, 11th-12th century, 8 ¾ in. (22.2 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 15,000 - USD 25,000. Price realised USD 15,000 © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
The widely flared, shallow sides rise to the petal-notched rim. The interior is carved with a stem bearing graceful leaves that frame a large peony blossom borne on the central stem, and the center has a recessed medallion incised with a peony spray. The bowl is covered inside and out with a deep olive-green glaze.
Provenance: Zetterquist Galleries, New York, September 2002.
Peter Scheinman (1932-2017) Collection, New York.
Note: It is rare to find a Yaozhou carved bowl of this general peony design with an incised central medallion. Compare, however, the virtually identical Yaozhou bowl sold in our London rooms, 10 December 1990, lot 111. Other comparable Yaozhou bowls carved with similar peony designs, but lacking the central incised medallion, include the example illustrated in The Masterpieces of Yaozhou Ware, Osaka, 1997, p. 51, no. 65; the bowl illustrated in Sekai toji zenshu, vol. 12, Sung Dynasty, Tokyo, 1977, p. 204, no. 196; and the bowl from the collection of Robert E. Barron III, sold at Christie's New York, 30 March 2005, lot 273.
A rare Yaozhou celadon carved shallow bowl, Northern Song Dynasty, 11th century, 8¼ in. (21 cm.) diam. Sold for USD 38,400 at Christie's New York, 30 March 2005, lot 273. © Christie's Images Ltd 2005
Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 14 - 15 September 2017, New York
