A RARE ROBIN'S-EGG GLAZE NARCISSUS BOWL SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

of rectangular form with shallow sides slightly flaring, supported on four low corner feet, the interior pierced with two holes for drainage, applied overall with a rich milky turquoise glaze streaked with fine maroon and purple creating a mottled effect, the underside similarly glazed with a slight metallic sheen over the incised four-character mark, original wood stand

A Private Japanese Collection.

There is surface wear to the interior, and a few small expected flakes to the enamel, the largest of approx 0.5 by 0.1cm. There are two small flakes at the bottom of two of the feet, the larger of approx 0.3 by 0.2cm. Otherwise the narcissus bowl is in very good condition overall, with an even and particularly vivid glaze. The colours are slightly softer than the illustration suggests.
"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."

Vessels covered in this flamboyant and imaginative Robin's-egg glaze started being made from the Yongzheng period. Only a small number of the finer pieces bear imperial reign marks, mainly of the Yongzheng and Qianlong emperors. The glaze, which appears to be a Qing interpretation of the Song dynasty 'Jun' glazes, is also called lu Jun or furnace Jun because it was fired in a furnace of a lower temperature after the firing of the porcelain.

Robin's-egg glaze flower vessels appear to be rare and more common are vases and objects made for the scholar's desk. For example see two water jars, two brushwashers and a set of miniature containers, all covered in Robin's-egg glaze illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, Volume Two, London, 1994, pls. 926-931. Compare also a vase, with a Yongzheng four-character reign mark on its base, from the Qing Court Collection and still in Beijing, published in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Monochrome Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 187, together with three Qianlong vessels with this glaze, pls. 188-190.