Lot 149. An iron-red-ground underglaze-blue 'scholar' stembowl, Ming dynasty, Wanli period (1573-1620). Diameter 5¾ in., 14.3 cm. Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000 USD. Lot sold: 12,600 USD. © Sotheby's 2021

the rounded sides supported on a tall straight foot and rising to an everted rim, the exterior painted in underglaze blue with a continuous scene of scholars engaged in the 'four accomplishments', the gentlemen variously playing weiqi, admiring a painting, and reading poetry, the interior painted with a scholar reading a book in a garden setting, all against a vibrant coral-red enameled ground.

Property from a New York Private Collection.

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art, New York, 21 September 2021