Lot 153. A 'sacrificial blue'-glazed bowl, Qianlong seal mark and of the period (1736-1795); 17.5cm (6 7/8in) diam. Estimate £12,000 - 15,000 (€14,000 - 18,000). Photo: Bonhams.

Elegantly potted with deep rounded sides rising from a short slightly tapering foot to a flared mouth rim, covered inside and out with an attractive deep blue glaze thinning at the mouth and foot rims

Provenance: Sotheby's London, 9 November 2011, lot 119

Note: 'Sacrificial blue'-glazed ritual vessels were intended for use on the Imperial altar at the Temple of Heaven. According to the 'Court Regulations for Ceremonial Paraphernalia', edited in 1766, blue-glazed wares such as the present lot were used for the performance of the Winter Solstice sacrifice to Heaven in 1748. 

Compare with a pair of smaller bowls, each with a blue glaze similar to the present bowl, Qianlong mark and of the period, which was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 1 June 2011, lot 3536.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE ART, 11 May 2017, 11:00 BST, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET