Lot 3219. Two rare and superbly carved Yaozhou celadon shallow bowls, Northern Song Dynasty, 11th century. The largest 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm.) diam. Estimate HK$1,200,000 - HK$1,800,000 ($155,487 - $233,231). Price Realized HK$1,240,000 ($160,633). © Christie's Image Ltd 2014

Each shallow bowl has a wide, flared rim and shallow sides curving out slightly to a rim subtly indented with six notches. The interior is moulded with a recessed medallion in the well and deftly carved with a a large peony blossom borne on the central stem growing leaves to the sides. Detailed with a combed motif to accentuate the overall design. The exterior is carved with narrow simplified petals radiating from the foot ring. With exception of the underside circular foot, the bowl is covered with a lustruous olive-green glaze, pooling to dark green in the recesses, boxes (2). 

Note: The present bowls represent the peak of celadon production at the Yaozhou kilns. The elegance of their potting and artistry of their carved decoration render these the finest examples of Yaozhou wares. The outlines of the peony design on the interiors have been deeply cut with vertical and oblique edges. Where the glaze pooled, the colour of the glaze appears darker at the deepest vertical cut and gradually lighten as it become thinner towards the surface on the oblique side, producing a dichromatic effect which greatly enhances the design.

The elegant style of the peony motif and the great success of the carving on this bowl prompts comparison with some of the most famous and highly regarded Yaozhou wares. The peony scroll on the cover of the famous Yaozhou cylindrical box illustrated by R. Scott, Imperial Taste - Chinese Ceramics from the Percival David Foundation, San Francisco, pp. 32-3, no. 10, is a case in point. Comparison can also be made with the peony motifs on the sides of the famous Yaozhou pillow in the Seikado Bunko Art Museum. See Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka (ed.), The Masterpieces of Yaozhou Ware, Tokyo, 1997, p. 34, no. 37.

Christie's. THE SOUND OF JADE AND THE SHADOW OF A CHRYSANTHEMUM, Hong Kong, 28 May 2014