Lot 1521. A rare yellow and green-glazed iron-red-ground square bowl, Jiajing six-character mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1522-1566); 4 7/8 in. (12.3 cm.) across. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price realised USD 35,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2013. 

Each facet of the deep rounded sides is decorated with a yellow carp swimming amidst green water weeds reserved on an iron-red ground below a green line border. Another carp is shown amidst water weeds in the center of the interior below green leafy meander reserved on an iron-red band between green borders at the rim.

Provenance: Private collection, Ojai, California, 1990.

Note: A range of innovative porcelain shapes was introduced during the Jiajing period. This square bowl, with slightly rounded sides and flat base, appears to be less common than the type of square bowl, also seen with Jiajing marks, with flaring sides raised on a short foot. For an example of the latter type see Chinese Porcelain: The S.C. Tianminlou Collection, Part I, Hong Kong, 1987, p. 118, no. 70, where it is noted that square bowls of this type were popular during the Jiajing period but their popularity declined after the Wanli period. 

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York, 21 - 22 March 2013