Lot 1157. A rare carved white marble bowl, Shang dynasty, 14th-13th century BC; Bowl 4 7/8 in. (12.5 cm.) diam.; bowl and cover 5 1/8 in. (13 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 5,000 - USD 7,000. Price realised USD 43,750. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The deep sides are carved with a chevron design and flare towards the rim from the slightly spreading foot which is encircled by a herringbone band. The white stone has a buff-colored surface. Together with a rare carved high-fired white pottery pedestal bowl and cover, Shang dynasty, 14th-13th century BC, the rounded sides of the bowl are carved with a band of leiwen pattern, and the domed cover with a band of a coiled dragon biting its own tail between ribbed borders. 

Provenance: Raymond A. Bidwell (1876-1954) Collection.
The Springfield Museums, Springfield, Massachusetts, accessioned in 1962.

Literature: Both: The Raymond A. Bidwell Collection of Chinese Bronzes and Ceramics, Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1965, p. 19.
Pottery bowl and cover: H. Brinker, "The Decor Styles of Shang White Pottery", Archives of Asian Art, Vol. XXI (1967-68), figs. 33 and 34.
R. Spelman, The Arts of China, C.W. Post Center, Long Island University, Greenvale, New York, 1976, p. 21, no. 8.
C.F. Shangraw, Origins of Chinese Ceramics, China House Gallery, China Institute in America, New York, 1978, p. 86, no. 33.

Exhibited: BPottery bowl and cover: C.W. Post Center, Long Island University, Greenvale, New York, Arts of China, 4 February - 27 March 1977, no. 8.
China House Gallery, Chinese Institute in America, New York, Origins of Chinese Ceramics, 25 October 1978 - 29 January 1979, no. 33.