Lot 525. A large blue and white charger, Zhengtong period (1436-1449); 50.2cm diam. Sold for HK$ 620,000 (€ 73,616). © Bonhams.

Finely potted with shallow sides rising from a slightly tapered foot ring, well painted in an even cobalt blue on the interior with four lotus blossoms surrounded by subsidiary mallow blossoms borne on a leafy, branching vine spiraling outward from rockworks, all within a double line border below another composite flower mander borne on a slender vine in the well, the exterior similarly decorated with a further frieze of flower scrolls below a double line border, the biscuit base unglazed, Japanese double boxes and cover with inscription dated 1965.

Provenance: Japanese private collection.

Note: Ceramic production in the Ming dynasty achieved unprecedented breakthrough during the Yongle period (1403-1424) when reign marks for Imperial wares were introduced and became an example for future periods. However, there are no Zhengtong, Jingtai or Tianshun reign marks present in the history of Ming ceramic production under the rule of Yingzong and Daizong between 1436-1463. Scholars name this period of uncertainty the 'Interregnum' period, where even ceramics during this period is extremely rare.

The current lot is dated to the Zhengtong period. Ceramics produced during this period resemble much to those produced during the Xuande period in terms of generic ceramic forms. The ceramics produced under the Zhengtong period also have a few unique stylistic attributes, notably the use of the rockwork motif. As examplified by the current lot, the rockwork motif has been made the focal point within the centralised circular cartouche. Under twelve years of Zhengtong period, Imperial decree has been declared and banning minyao from firing ceramic wares with yellow, aubergine, red, green, blue and white colours. The current lot, although unmarked like other rare examples of this period, would most probably have been made specifically for Imperial use.

A similar blue and white charger dated to the Zhengtong period is illustrated and highlighted on the divider page in, Wenwan Pinjian. Mingdai Qinghuaci, Shandong, 2007, p.21.

Other examples from the Interregnum period are currently in exhibition, Filling the Interregnum - Ming Mid-15th century Ceramics from Jingdezhen, at Gallery I, Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong from 18 December 2012 - 9 December 2012

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 24 Nov 2012, Hong Kong, Admiralty