AN AUBERGINE AND YELLOW ENAMELED SQUARE 'PHOENIX' BOWL JIAJING MARK AND PERIOD |

each side with a subtle S-curved profile imbuing the quadrangular vessel with a rounded belly and flared rim set above a tapered foot, incised and painted to the exterior with a marigold-yellow phoenix soaring amidst scrolling lotus above a lotus petal-band all against an aubergine ground, the motif repeated at the well, the interior rim wrapped with a continuous lingzhi scroll, the base with an incised yellow-enameled six-character mark on an aubergine ground, Japanese wood box (3)

There is a short section of the rim that has been very finely polished. Otherwise, the bowl is in overall good condition with some expected surface wear and minor firing imperfections.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Square bowls of the present form appear to be an innovation of the Jiajing period. Produced in varying palettes and decorated with auspicious themes of 'Dragons', 'Boys', ‘Fish’ and ‘Phoenix and Crane’ that reflected the Jiajing emperor's well-chronicled dedication to Daoism. The present bowl is a rare expression of the form in both palette and subject matter which depicts a phoenix in flight on all four sides and the interior. Related examples of this theme are more commonly expressed with alternating panels of phoenix and crane; see one illustrated in Sekai toji zenshu, vol. 14, Tokyo, 1976, p. 81, no. 82-83; another in the National Palace Museum in Porcelain of the National Palace Museum, Enamelled Wares of the Ming Dynasty, vol. II, 1966, Hong Kong, pp. 58-59, pls. 6a, b, c, d; and a third in the British Museum, London in Margaret Medley, Illustrated Catalogue of Ming Polychrome Wares in the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, London, 1978, pl. VI, no. 59.