Lot 24. A rare pair of tianbai-glazed bowls, Wanli six-character marks and of the period (1573-1620). Each 11cm (4 3/8in) diam. (4). Sold for HKD 114,750 (Estimate HKD 100,000 - HKD 150,000). © Bonhams 2001-2022

Each with deep rounded sides rising from a short foot to an everted rim, applied overall save for the unglazed footring with a clear glaze, each base inscribed in underglaze blue with the six-character reign mark within a double circle, boxes.

Provenance: Sotheby's Hong Kong, 3 April 2019, lot 3664
The Chenyuezhai Collection

Note: Tianbai wares such as the present pair were an innovation of the Yongle reign (1403-24) and featured a special glaze of smooth, unctuous appearance developed to create a deliberate monochrome white style distinct from porcelain that had simply been left undecorated. For another example see a related Wanli period tianbai octagonal cup in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, Empty Vessels, Replenished Minds: The Culture, Practice and Art of Tea, Taipei, 2002, p.97.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, Hong Kong, 30 November 2022