A fine pair of 'famille-rose' bowls Seal marks and period of Qianlong

each with deep rounded sides flaring sharply at the rim, finely painted with a fruiting and flowering gourd vine entwining around a spray of bamboo attended by two butterflies, the four large passion fruit with their skins delicately picked out in yellow, pink and green, the design climbing over the rim and continuing into the well

The Collection of the late Diana D. Ashcroft.
Sotheby's London, 17th November 1999, lot 764.

To one bowl, there is a minute air bubble glaze frit on the foot, but the overall condition is very good. The other bowl is in very good condition. The enamels on both bowls are in very good condition. The marks are slightly different from each other and the enameling on one bowl is slightly softer in tone than the other.
"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."

Two similar Qianlong bowls in the Percival David Foundation, London, are published in the Illustrated Catalogue of Ch'ing Enamelled Wares, London, 1958, no. 897, and in The World's Great Collections. Oriental Ceramics, vol.6, Tokyo, 1982, no.274; for one in the Musee Guimet, Paris, see op.cit., vol.7, Tokyo, 1981, col.pl.91; another is included in the Illustrated Catalogue of Tokyo National Museum. Chinese Ceramics, vol.II, Tokyo, 1990, no.660.