Lot 374. A fine and large lemon-yellow enamelled moulded 'lotus' bowl, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period (1723-1735); 20.2 cm wide (2). Sold for HK$1,845,500 (Estimate HK$1,200,000 - HK$1,800,000). © Bonhams.
 

Elegantly potted with deep rounded sides rising to an everted rim resembling a blooming flower, the exterior finely moulded with overlapping broad mallow-flower petals issuing from another band of lobed petal lappets above the short straight foot, the interior similarly moulded with overlapping petals radiating from the centre, covered overall with a rich, bright lemon-yellow glaze, the recessed base with a six-character mark within a double circle in underglaze blue, fitted box.

Provenance: Christie's Hong Kong, 27 October 2003, lot 703

Note: The present lot is distinguished by its vibrant glaze and elegantly lobed silhouette. This striking lemon-yellow enamel, known for its technical complexity, emerged as an innovation during the Yongzheng period. Under the supervision of Tang Ying at the imperial kilns, this remarkable enamel was introduced to the potters of Jingdezhen, swiftly becoming a favourite of the Yongzheng Emperor.

Moulded bowls of this type are exceedingly rare, particularly those covered with a lemon-yellow glaze. See a lime-green example, Yongzheng six-character mark and of the period, illustrated by R. Kerr, Chinese Ceramics: Porcelain of the Qing Dynasty 1644-1911, London, 1986, p. 92, pl. 66.