Lot 132. A fine famille rose blue-sgraffiato-ground 'medallion' bowl, Daoguang seal mark and of the period (1821-1850); 14.5cm (5 3/4in) diam. Estimate £ 12,000 - 16,000. Sold for £ 40,062 (€ 45,736). © Bonhams 2001-2019

Delicately enamelled around the exterior with four medallions, one of the weaver girl, one of the cowherd, alternating with two landscapes, each within gilt borders and separated by clouds, all reserved on a blue engraved ground incised with feathery scroll, the interior painted in underglaze blue with a medallion of the weaver girl and cowherd standing on a bridge of magpies amidst wispy clouds in the well.  

Provenance: according to family history, which is supported by family records illustrating the progress of British troops in Beijing at the time, this object was acquired by a military attaché posted to Beijing at the time of the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. He was attached to the staff of Brigadier-General A.Gaselee, the commander of the British contingent.

Note A very similar famille rose blue-ground bowl, Daoguang seal mark and period, is illustrated in Encompassing Precious Beauty: The Songzhutang Collection of Imperial Chinese Ceramics, Hong Kong, 2016, pp.216-217, no.84.

Compare with a similar bowl, Daoguang seal mark and of the period, which was sold at Bonhams London, 7 November 2016, lot 291.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, London, 16 May 2019