Lot 1908. A fine early Ming anhua-decorated tianbai 'lotus bouquet' dish, Yongle period (1403-1425); 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm.) diam. Estimate HKD 500,000 - HKD 800,000. Price Realized HKD 1,470,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2013

With rounded sides, the interior is delicately incised with a ribboned lotus bouquet surrounded by a composite floral meander issuing thirteen blooms including lotus, gardenia, hibiscus and chrysanthemum and leaves, below a border of classic scroll beneath the rim. The decoration on the cavetto is repeated around the exterior but with fourteen blooms, below a keyfret band around the rim. A further border of classic scroll is incised above the wedge-shaped foot. The dish is covered with an unctuous white glaze which stops at the foot rim.

Note: Compare the contemporaneous blue and white counterparts with similar interior decoration, including the central, cavetto and rim motifs, illustrated by J.A. Pope, Chinese Porcelains from the Ardebil Shrine, Washington, 1956, pl. 31 (no. 29.21).

Christie's. In Pursuit of Refinement - A Legacy of the YC Chen Collection, Hong Kong, 29 May 2013