Lot 619. A large 'Yaozhou' ''floral' bowl, Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). Diameter 8 3/4 in., 22.2 cm. Estimate: US$20,000 - US$30,000. Unsold. Courtesy Sotheby's.

the broad conical sides rising from a low foot, the interior molded with a large roundel encompassing the entirety of the cavetto save for a plain band around the rim, depicting a thick stem sprouting three luxuriant peony blooms, the soft petals falling open in every direction, their delicate veining simulated in combed wavy lines all amid fluttering leaves with characteristic serrated edges, the exterior with a single incised band beneath the rim, covered overall in a translucent olive-colored glaze save for the foot ring.

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art, New York, 20 march 2019