Lot 878. Two ceramics with iron oxide decoration, Trần-Lê dynasties, 14th-15th century; 6 5/8 and 8 1/2in (17 and 21.5cm) diameter. Estimate US$ 1,000 - 1,500 (€850 - 1,300). Sold for US$ 400 (€337). Photo: Bonhams.  

The first a bowl loosely painted with a classic scroll meander on the flared rim, a floral roundel centering the well and another flower and leaf band encircling the exterior walls, the glaze on the interior marked with five spur marks and stopping above the foot, the recessed base coated with brown wash; the second a plate with striping near the unglazed rim and framing a fish swimming amid water weeds across the floor of the well, the exterior walls also glazed and a narrow band of brown wash applied to the recessed base within the unglazed foot pad.  

Note: The fish dish is illustrated in James H. Brow and Anh Hoang Brow, 'Vietnamese Ceramics: A Ten Thousand Year Continuum,' Arts of Asia, March-April 2004, p. 91, no. 25.

For similar iron oxide designs and shapes from the 14th to 15th century, see John Stevenson and John Guy, Vietnamese Ceramics: A Separate Tradition, 1997, p. 284-285, nos. 204-206.

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