A rare Dingyao floral brushwasher, Five Dynasties (AD907-960). Estimate HKD300,000 - 400,000 (TWD1,215,000 - 1,619,000) (USD38,700 - 51,600). Photo courtesy Ravenel.

This brushwash has a five-petaled scalloped rim and a very gently curved belly, with tears on the surface where the glaze has run. The piece is entirely covered with white glaze of a pure, snowy tint and smooth luster, with the exception of the round foot, where the ceramic body is visible. This kind of flower-shaped scalloped rim is frequently seen in Ding ware from the Five Dynasties period, but usually the edge is four-lobed, and five petals as in this lot are much less common. The overall design is imitative of precious metal vessels popular during the Tang dynasty, and this early Dingyao brushwash with its evenly applied, snow-white hue and exquisite workmanship is truly a rare specimen of Five Dynasties Ding ware. MD: 14.5 cm

PROVENANCE: Old Private Hong Kong Collection

Ravenel Spring Auction 2015 Hong Kong. Literati Sublimation - Oriental Arts for the Chinese Scholars. Tuesday, June 2, 2015, 3:30 PM. Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel Boardroom, Mezzanine Floor, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong