Lot 13. Property from an important European collection. A very rare pair of celadon-glazed 'bat' bowls, Marks and period of Yongzheng (1723-1735); 15.3 cm. Lot Sold 1,524,000 HKD (Estimate 1,000,000 - 1,500,000 HKD). © Sotheby's 2024

each finely potted with rounded sides rising from a short straight foot to a flared rim, slip-decorated to the exterior with five bats in flight under a pale bluish-green glaze, the base left white and inscribed with a six-character reign mark within a double circle.

Provenance: Acquired from Edward T. Chow (1910-80) in the late 1960s.

Note: Exquisitely decorated with silhouettes of bats against a luminous celadon ground, these monochrome bowls exude an understated elegance that reflects the sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities of the Yongzheng Emperor and his penchant for celebrated Song dynasty wares. The five bats (wufu) so delicately rendered on each bowl exemplify not only the remarkable technical developments achieved at the imperial kilns to cater to the Emperor's exacting standards but also convey portents of good fortune as they represent the five blessings of longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue, and a peaceful passing.

In the Yongzheng period, the production of celadon wares was greatly expanded and many different glaze tones were created with absolute precision. According to the Taocheng shiyi jishi beiji [Commemorative stele on ceramic production], compiled in 1735 by the celebrated supervisor of the imperial factory, Tang Ying (1682-1756), several varieties of celadon glazes were experimented with at the time (see Stephen W. Bushell, Oriental Ceramic Art. Illustrated by Examples from the Collection of W.T. Walters, New York, 1896; reprint London, 1981, p. 197). Under Tang Ying's supervision, the finest ceramics of the Song and Ming dynasties were studied in detail in order to understand the physical qualities and craftsmanship. This knowledge was then applied to redesigned, modern versions produced at the imperial kilns and the current pair of bowls testify to the proficiency required in understanding the chemical compositions and the firing of such deceptively simple monochrome wares.

For comparable examples of this considerably rare design, see one in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, accession no. 588-1907, another illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, 1994-2010, vol. 4, no. 855. See also a pair from the collection of Marcus Ezekiel, included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1935-1936, cat. nos 2223 and 2225, later sold in our London rooms, 21st May 1946, lot 122; and another pair sold in our London rooms, 12th June 2003, lot 173.

Sotheby's. An Important European Collection of Chinese Ceramics - Acquired from Edward T. Chow, Hong Kong, 9 April 2024.