Lot 1340. A large blue and white 'Auspicious characters' bowl, Wanli six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of the period (1573-1619); 12 in. (30.5 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018

The deep, rounded sides are decorated with large fu and shou characters formed by the twisted trunks of a pine tree, a prunus tree, a chrysanthemum stem and bamboo, all growing amidst tufts of grass and between double line borders. 

Provenance: Private collection, Miami, Florida.

Note: The characters, fu and shou, are wishes for happiness and long life. 

Compare the similarly decorated bowl of this deep, rounded shape, also with Wanli mark, in the Qing Court Collection, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum - 35 - Blue and White Porcelain with Underglaze Red (II), Hong Kong, 2000, p. 229, no. 209. See, also, the similar bowl of comparable size, with Wanli mark, decorated with the characters, fu shou kang ning, sold at Christie's New York, 17 September 2010, lot 1323.

An unusual large blue and white deep bowl, Wanli six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of the period (1573-1619); 11 13/16 in. (29.9 cm.) diam. Sold for 30,000 USD at Christie's New York, 17 September 2010, lot 1323. © Christie's Images Ltd 2010