A large Hong Bowl, circa 1775. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2012

Two large panels depict the Canton waterfront, flags flying above the Swedish, British and Dutch hongs, small Western and Chinese figures strolling with their dogs along the quay and others peering from windows or balconies or at work, one climbing the Dutch flagpole, Chinese junks in the harbor waters, all reserved on an iron-red patterned ground with panels between showing a mother gathering fruit with her children and a lady serving tea in a garden, the interior with a colorful floral cluster beneath iron-red cell and gilt vine borders. 16 inches (40.6 cm) diameter. Estimate $40,000 - $60,000

Provenance: Acquired from Sotheby's, New York, 1970s 

Notes: Hervouët & Bruneau (op cit, p 25) illustrate a very similar example, then with Helen Glatz, London. These iconic punchbowls in this magnificent size, with their lively depictions of the Canton waterfront buzzing with the activity of Chinese and foreigners alike, must have been the most extraordinary souvenirs available to Western visitors in the period. 

Christie's.  The Peter H B Frelinghuysen Jr Collection of Chinese Export Porcelain. 24 January 2012. New York, Rockefeller Plaza www.christies.com