A RUBY-GROUND 'MEDALLION' BOWL SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF DAOGUANG

the exterior brightly decorated in 'famille-rose' enamels with four gilt-edged circular medallions enclosing the 'hundred antiques', each separated by two lotus blossoms with leaf scrolls on a ruby-red ground delicately engraved with feathery vine scrolls, the interior decorated in underglaze-blue with a central octagonal stylized floral medallion with radiating tassels and jars with leafy sprigs, the well with four differing tasselled lanterns, the base inscribed with the six-character seal mark in underglaze-blue

A Private Japanese Collection.

There is a tiny surface flake to the foot of approx 0.1 cm., but otherwise the bowl is in excellent condition. There is an ironspot on the interior.
"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."

A Daoguang bowl of this pattern is illustrated by Geng Baochang, Ming Qing Ciqi Jianding, Hong Kong, 1993, p. 145, fig. 189.  Other examples include a bowl from the Dr. S.Y. Kwan collection, included in the exhibition Joined Colors, Washington D.C., 1993, cat.no. 58. where it is discussed by Jan Stuart that the lantern design represents a rebus for 'good harvest' (feng deng) and that these bowls were popular at the Lantern Festival.  See a Daoguang bowl from the Paul and Helen Bernat Collection, sold in these rooms, 15th November 1988, lot 46, and again 8th April 2007, lot 804.  Also compare the Qianlong prototype for this pattern in a lot sold in our New York rooms 30th March 2006, lot 352.