A FINE AND RARE LACQUER-IMITATION BOWL QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD

the rounded sides supported by a short straight foot rising to an everted rim, the exterior finely painted with two butterflies amidst melons and flowers on leafy scrolling vines enameled in red with details picked out in gilt, all reserved on a glossy black ground, the rim decorated with a thick gold border, the base inscribed with a six-character seal mark in gilding

In good overall condition. The gilding is worn in some places, especially at the mouth and foot, and there is some bubbling to the enamel.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Several pieces of porcelain imitating carved cinnabar lacquer are known. However, it is much rarer to find a porcelain vessel with a design that imitates painted lacquer such as the present bowl and no related example appears to have been published. The present bowl is decorated to simulate a sumptuous lacquer design painted in gold and red on a mirror-black ground  which can be found on lacquerware of the late 17th and 18th centuries. Compare, for example, a small silver bowl with a similar painted lacquer design, published in Lacquer Treasures from China Pre-Qin - Qing dynasty, Vol. 6, Fujian, 1993, pl. 142. For a small Yixing teapot with a similar painted design on a black ground, compare ibid., pl. 141.