Lot 1289. An unusual large wucai bowl, Wanli six-character mark in underglaze blue within a double circle and of the period (1573-1619); 15¾ in. (40 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price realised USD 25,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The deep, rounded sides that rise to a slightly everted rim are decorated on the exterior with two scenes, one of two scholars on horseback accompanied by their attendants in a landscape setting, and the other of an attendant standing before a scholar holding a fan as he sits on a stool in a garden. A scene of two scholars playing weiqi is in the center of the interior below a band of insects in flight between the 'Three Friends' (prunus, pine and bamboo) at the silver-mounted rim.