Lot 2289. A rare large inscribed blue and white rectangular tray, Jiaqing six-character seal mark and of the period (1796-1820); 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm.) wide. Estimate HKD 150,000 - HKD 200,000. Price realised HKD 187,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The large tray is finely decorated to the interior with dwellings and pavilions in a mountainous riverscape. A solitary figure on a fishing boat is depicted approaching the shore beneath an eight line poetic inscription. The shallow sides of the tray are detailed with fruiting branches on the interior and oval panels depicting flowering branches against a diaper ground on the exterior, box.

Note: The inscription may be translated:

Fishing in solitude at the far end of the stream,
On a leisurely boat ride into the wilderness with a flock of cranes for company,
In the sun, one begins the journey home,
While long shadows are cast ammong the distant dwellings.

Followed by the signature, 'Zepei'.

Christie's. Imperial Sale; Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall, 29 May 2013