A YELLOW-GROUND AND BLUE AND WHITE 'FLOWERS' BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

of conical form resting on a tapered foot and rising to an everted rim, painted overall in purplish tones of cobalt-blue and reserved on a bright and rich yellow ground, the interior decorated with a pink spray on the centre, surrounded on the sides by six flowering sprays including chrysanthemum, camellia, lotus and peony, the rim with detached floral sprays and scrolling motifs, the exterior similarly decorated, between a keyfret band at the rim and a classic scroll at the foot, the base with a double-circle reserved in white and inscribed with the six-character mark in underglaze-blue  

Apart from a 1cm firing crack to the foot and minute pinholes in the yellow enamel, the overall condition is very good. There is a 1mm burst air bubble in the centre of the interior and there are faint patches of possibly grey kiln ash trapped between the yellow enamel and the porcelain body, but does not detract from the overall appearance of the bowl.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Compare a bowl of similar form but of the mark and period of Qianlong in the Nanjing Museum illustrated in Qing Imperial Porcelain, Exhibition at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995, no.79.  See also a Qianlong bowl of this design from the Van Slyke Collection sold in these rooms, 31st May 1989, lot 182l; and another from the Collection of Edward T. Chow, sold in these rooms, 25th November 1980, lot 154; and again at Christie's New York, 4th June 1987, lot 296.

For the inspiration of this design, compare the interior of the flared bowl with a Xuande reign mark illustrated in the revised Sekai Toji Zenshu, vol.14, Tokyo, 1976, pls. 28 and 29.