Lot 3501. A fine and rare large Junyao bowl, Song-Jin dynasty, 12th-13th century, 8 5/8 in. (22 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 600,000 - HKD 800,000. Price realised HKD 620,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2011. 

With rounded sides covered inside and out with a milky blue glaze thinning to a mushroom tone at the rim, the foot rim unglazed.

Provenance: Eskenazi, London, no. C1306 

Note: This well-proportioned bowl with its thick, lavender-blue glaze typifies the elegant simplicity of Junyao wares. Control of both temperature and duration of firing was crucial to both the colour and texture of Junyao glazes, and had to be finely judged by the kiln master. 

A bowl of similar shape and size is illustrated by R. Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. III, London, 2006, p. 460, no. 1461. Other similar bowls include one from the Anthony R. Derham Collection, sold at Christie's New York, 26 March 2010, lot 1333; and another sold at Christie's New York, 25 March 2011, lot 1323.  

Christie's. Inspired Connoisseurship: Property from a European Collection, 1 June 2011, Hong Kong, HKCEC Grand Hall