Lot 527. A fine and rare white jade bowl, Qianlong incised four character mark and of the period (1736-1795); 5in (12.8cm) diam. Estimate US$ 30,000 - 50,000 (€ 27,000 - 44,000). Sold for US$ 37,575 (€ 33,108) inc. premium. © Bonhams 2001-2019

Superbly carved with deep rounded sides rising from the flat well to a gently everted rim, the neatly-cut short, straight foot ring enclosing the four-character kaishu script reign mark on the flat foot, the lustrous, translucent stone of white tone with minor inclusions, wood stand. 

Provenance: Virginia Hobart (1876-1958), thence by descent.

Note: The thin walls of the present lot, highlighting the translucency of the material, emulate imperial porcelain wares of the Qianlong period. Compare with a pair of similar white jade bowls with Qianlong four-character mark and of the period, from the University Museum and Art Gallery, Hong Kong, illustrated in Virtuous Treasures. Chinese Jades for the Scholar's Table, 2008, Hong Kong, pp.82, fig.31. A pair of white jade bowls, with similar Qianlong four-character marks and of the period, were sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 30 May 2017, lot 115.