Lot 37. A rare lobed celadon 'auspicious objects' dish, Yuan dynasty (1279-1368). 16.8 cm, 6⅝ in. Estimate: 1,500 - 2,000 EUR. Lot sold: 2,142 EUR. Courtesy Sotheby's.

of mallow shape, supported on a small rounded footrim, moulded to the interior with with the Eight Treasures in petal panels centred with a recessed rosace, all within a double incised line, the reverse incised and combed with undulating petals resembling a mallow flower, applied overall with a sage-green glaze thinning to white on the reliefs, save for the base partly unglazed revealing an orange-fired stoneware body

Property from a French private collection.

Provenance:  Acquired by the father of the present owner in Paris during the 1960s, and thence by family descent.

Note: Here comprising the conch shell, coral, horn, endless knot, lotus, ingot, flaming pearl and double horns, the Eight Treasures are symbols of success and wealth which find their origin in the traditional literati items from the scholar's studio. They are associated with success to the imperial exams and promotion to the rank of official.