Lot 867. A celadon bowl with impressed decoration, Trần dynasty, 14th century; 6 5/8in (17cm). Estimate US$ 1,000 - 2,000 (€840 - 1,700). Sold for US$ 625 (€527). Photo: Bonhams.  

Molded with a barbed rim and a double-layer design on the interior walls of flower and leaf sprays scattered over large lotus petals radiating upward form a central roundel of two impressed fish, the exterior walls incised with radiating lines, the olive glaze stopping unevenly along the thick foot ring. 

Published: James H. Brow and Anh Hoang Brow, 'Vietnamese Ceramics: A Ten Thousand Year Continuum,' Arts of Asia, March-April 2004, p. 89, no. 22. 

Note: The color and shape of this bowl imitate Chinese Longquan ceramics exported throughout Southeast Asia, many of which were centered with a pair of fish in high relief. For a Longquan prototype, as well as a Vietnamese dish stamped with a pair of fish at the center similar to those on this bowl, see see John Stevenson and John Guy, Vietnamese Ceramics: A Separate Tradition, 1997, p. 265, no. 168.

Bonhams. FINE ASIAN WORKS OF ART, 18 Dec 2017, 11:00 PST, SAN FRANCISCO