A FINE PAIR OF 'FAMILLE-ROSE' BOWLS SEAL MARKS AND PERIOD OF JIAQING

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 bitter melons with their skins delicately picked out in yellow, pink and green, two of the ripe fruit with skin bursting open to reveal the orange flesh inside, the design climbing over the rim and continuing into the well

The pair of bowls is in very good condition overall. There is light minor wear to the enamels of the bamboo on the interior of one 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."

For an extensive discussion of the depicted fruit, see Ka Bo Tsang, 'An Unusual Botanical Motif: The Bitter-sweet Kugua', Orientations, October, 1993, pp 64-7, where figs 1 a-b, a Qianlong example in the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, is illustrated. In the former article Tsang also notes (p. 67) that the symbolic meaning of the composition of the decoration in the guoqianzhi (branch over a wall) manner, revoking the expression changzhi (long reign), is the wish for a long and prosperous reign.

Compare a Daoguang bowl of this design sold in these rooms, 8th April 2007, lot 812.