Lot 881. Two green glazed shallow bowls with impressed decoration and spur marks, Trần -Lê dynasties, 14th-15th century; 6 7/8 and 7 1/8in (17.4 and 18.3cm) diameter. Estimate US$ 800 - 1,200 (€680 - 1,000). Sold for US$ 437 (€369). Photo: Bonhams.  

The well of the first bowl impressed with a central flower head and squared spiral bands separating flower head and leaf scrolls from raised lotus petals below the rim with five spur marks in the dark leaf green glaze that continues onto the exterior walls and portions of the foot, the exposed fabric of the recessed base burnt a pale cinnamon brown; the well of the second bowl impressed with a center roundel and wide band of feathery leaves and stylized pomegranate silhouettes bordered by miniature pearl bands, the dark leaf green glaze covering all surfaces with three spur marks visible in the center of the well and three more remaining on the recessed base within the foot ring. 

Published: The first bowl appears in James H. Brow and Anh Hoang Brow, 'Vietnamese Ceramics: A Ten Thousand Year Continuum,' Arts of Asia, March-April 2004, p. 84, no. 9.

Note: A bowl similar to the second bowl in this lot is illustrated in the same article on p. 85, no. 10. For an example similar to the first bowl in the lot, see John Stevenson and John Guy, Vietnamese Ceramics: A Separate Tradition, 1997, p. 277, no. 192.

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