Lot 3007. A fine large celadon-glazed bowl with carved and moulded peonies, Seal mark and period of Yongzheng (1723-1735); 26.5 cm., 10 1/2 in. Estimate 500,000 — 700,000. Lot sold 860,000  HKD. Photo Sotheby's 2011

sturdily potted with rounded sides rising from a tapering foot, the interior carved with a central medallion of a blooming peony, the cavetto similarly decorated with peony scrolls within a key-fret border along the rim, the exterior moulded with further peonies borne on leafy scrolls, all between a continuous band of swirling clouds and a key-fret border at the foot, covered overall with an unctuous celadon glaze, the countersunk base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark. 

Provenance: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28th November 1978, lot 186.
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 20th May 1981, lot 812.

Note: closely related example from the W.W. Winkworth collection, was sold in our London rooms, 12th December 1972, lot 166; another was sold in these rooms, 11th May 1983, lot 120; and a third was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 29th May 2007, lot 1526. A smaller celadon-glazed bowl of this form and decoration, also with a Yongzheng reign mark and of the period, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Qingdai yuyao ciqi, vol. 1, pt. II, Beijing, 2005, pl. 106.

The Yongzheng emperor's enthusiasm for ancient art objects and innovation is clearly displayed in the present bowl. The elegant scrolling flower motif is reminiscent of early 15th century blue and white imperial porcelain, while the glaze has been made to imitate the celebrated 'Longquan' celadon wares. By combining the two together, the potter has succeeded in creating a contemporary yet elegant bowl suitable to the taste of its time. For a large Yongle basin of related form, decorated in cobalt with a similar peony scroll beneath a classic scroll border at the rim, see one from the collections of George Eumorfopoulos, of Sir David Home, Bt., and of the British Rail Pension Fund, sold in these rooms, 16th May 1989, lot 15.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 08 april 2011.