Lot 819. A wucai 'dragon and phoenix' bowl, Daoguang six-character seal mark in underglaze blue and of the period (1821-1850); 6 ¼ in. (15.9 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. Price realised USD 40,000. © Christie's 2021

The bowl is decorated on the exterior with two descending phoenixes between green and iron-red five-clawed dragons pursuing flaming pearls amidst flower sprigs, below a band of Buddhist emblems alternating with ruyi heads joined by a blue line. The interior is decorated with another iron-red five-clawed dragon leaping after a flaming pearl, all within blue line borders.

Provenance: Acquired in Miami, Florida, 1977.

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 23-24 september 2021