Lot 724. A large blue and white bowl, Ming dynasty, 16th century; 13 ½ in. (34.3 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 6,000 - USD 18,000. Price realised USD 5,625. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018

The deep sides are boldly decorated on the exterior with two scenes of the 'Three Friends of Winter' (prunus, pine and bamboo), the scenes divided by two tall rock formations, and with a pair of birds perched in the branches of the prunus trees, while in the center of the interior is a medallion of a hawk perched on a rock between two rocks within a double circle, below a band of birds perched on four flowering branches separated by flying insects.

Provenance: Private American collection, acquired in the 1960s. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 22 - 23 March 2018, New York