Lot 1387. A rare large celadon-glazed relief-decorated bowl, Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1736-1795); 13 ½ in. (34.3 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 40,000 - USD 60,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2018

The deep sides rise towards a flared rim and are relief-decorated on the exterior with flowers and fruits including peony, finger citron, prunus, camellia, pomegranate, lychee, lotus and peach, and the bowl is covered inside and out below the white rim with a soft blue-green glaze that also covers the base. 

Note: The present bowl is unusual for its generous proportions which are emphasized by its fine potting and flaring rim. Other related celadon-glazed and relief-decorated bowls are often of heavier potting and straight rims, and more repetitive 'peony scroll' decoration.  

Bowls of this type were made in both the Yongzheng and Qianlong periods. A Qianlong-period example from the Meiyintang Collection is illustrated by R. Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, 1994-2010, vol. Four (II), no. 1804, and was sold at Sotheby's Hong Kong, 9 October 2012, lot 33.