Lot 6. A wucai 'dragon and phoenix' bowl, Daoguang seal mark and of the period (1821-1850).  Photo: Bonhams.

With deep rounded sides above a short foot rising to a slightly everted rim, the exterior of the body with two five-clawed dragons amidst floral and leafy vines, each chasing a flaming pearl and interspersed by a pair of phoenix, all beneath a band of ruyi-head scrolls interspersed between auspicious Buddhist Emblems, the interior with a central medallion enclosing a scaly five-clawed dragon reaching for a flaming pearl amidst fire and cloud scrolls, the base with a six-character zhuanshu seal mark. 15cm (5 7/8in) diam.

Property from the Hans Goldstein Collection of Chinese Art

Provenance: According to the family, acquired by Hans Goldstein probably between 1948-1981 and thence by descent

Note: For an example of a very similar pair of wucai bowls, Daoguang marks and period, see The Wonders of the Potter's Palette. Qing Ceramics from the Collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1984, no.100. See also another example from the Muwen Tang collection, illustrated by S.Kwan, Imperial Porcelain of Late Qing, Hong Kong, 1983, no.44. 

A pair of wucai 'dragon and phoenix' bowls, Daoguang marks and period, was sold in these rooms, 26 May 2013, lot 239.

BONHAMS. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 4 Jun 2015 10:30 HKT - HONG KONG, ADMIRALTY