Lot 615. A carved 'Yaozhou' celadon-glazed 'lotus' bowl, Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). Estimate 40,000 — 60,000 HKD. Lot sold 162,500 HKD (18,773 EUR).  Photo: Sotheby's.

the exterior carved with overlapping petals radiating around the foot suggesting a lotus flower, covered in a pale sea-green coloured glaze; 14.4 cm, 5 5/8  in. 

The pale green glaze as found on the present bowl is extremely rare among 'Yaozhou' wares and identifies it as an early example, as this glaze colour disappeared when the kiln switched from using wood as fuel to firing with coal. A similar bowl sold in these rooms, 24th/25th November 2014, lot 1011. Compare also a pair of 'Yaozhou' flower-shaped bowls with a related glaze, sold in our London rooms, 11th May 2011, lot 1.