Lot 865. A rare large carved black and red lacquer dish, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644); 35cm diam. Sold for HK$115,200 (Estimate HK$80,000-100,000). © Bonhams 2001-2023

Elaborately carved to the central circular panel depicting a group of scholar-officials and literali engaging in various leisure activities with several travelling on horseback being greeted by three figures, surrounded by other attendants, two deers and flying cranes, within a terraced garden setting, all encircled by a border of leafy peonies, all reserved on a carved red diaper and floret ground, fitted box, accompanied by a paper receipt reading 'Showa 17th year'. (2)

Provenance: The Chang Foundation Collection.

Note: The present dish is remarkable for its superb and meticulous depiction of a figural scene surrounded by a vivid floral band, giving a sense of energy and dynamism to the scene, further enhanced by the detailed landscape and three varied grounds to suggest grass, waves and sky, which is typical of Yuan and Ming dynasties.

For more examples of the period, see a black and red lacquer oval dish decorated with figures and landscape, Ming dynasty, in the Palace Museum, Taipei, accession no. Gu qi 000436N000000000. Compare also an example, but in square form, in a private collection, illustrated in Many Splendors: Yuan, Ming and Qing Lacquerware from the Chao Collection, Beijing, 2010, no.33. The decoration and carving style are comparable to the present lot.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 29 November 2023, Hong Kong, Admiralty