Lot 2547. A fine pair of blue and white bowls, Kangxi six-character marks within double-circles and of the period (1662-1722); 51/8 in. (13 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 300,000 - HKD 400,000. Price realised HKD 275,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2008

With deep rounded sides rising from tall straight feet, each painted to the exterior with scrolling hibiscus, qiukui, above a band of lappets at the foot, the interiors with a central medallion containing a further floral spray. 

Provenance: The Franzero collection
Warren Stratford Trevors.

Note: Compare with another Qing dynasty bowl of this pattern from the Percival David Foundation collection with a Kangxi mark, illustrated by R. Scott, For the Imperial Court, no. 39, p. 108, where the author mentions that the yellow hibiscus had been a popular subject with artists since the Song period.

This pattern is inspired by the palace bowls made during the Chenghua reign (1465-1487). For an example of the Ming dynasty Chenghua prototype with this design, see the bowl exhibited at the O.C.S. Exhibition of Chinese Blue and White Porcelain, 1953, Catalogue, no. 101.  

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Hong Kong, 3 December 2008