- 67
A Pair of Wucai 'Dragon and Phoenix' Bowls Kangxi Marks and Period
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description
- porcelain
each with rounded sides rising from a straight foot to a gently flaring rim, painted to the exterior with green and red dragons in pursuit of flaming pearls, seperated by a pair of descending phoenix, all below a band of bajixiang interspersed with ruyi emblems, the interior with a medallion enclosing an iron-red dragon writhing in pursuit of a pearl amidst flames, inscribed to the base with a six-character Kangxi mark within a double-circle
Provenance
Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 12th/13th May 1976, lot 321.
Exhibited
Ch'ing Polychrome Porcelain, Fung Ping Shan Museum, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1977, cat. no. 32.
From the Tang to the Qing: Chinese Ceramics from circa 618-1850 A.D. from the Collection of Dr. and Mrs. Peter Thompson, Hull University, Hull, 1996, cat. no. 101.
From the Tang to the Qing: Chinese Ceramics from circa 618-1850 A.D. from the Collection of Dr. and Mrs. Peter Thompson, Hull University, Hull, 1996, cat. no. 101.
Condition
Both in good condition. One with some rubbing and wear to enamels to interior and with a firing crack to foot. Minor scratching and firing imperfections to both
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The present pair of bowls, with their auspicious decoration of a dragon and phoenix, convey a wish for a happy marriage. First conceived during the Kangxi period, the popularity of this vibrant design with its distinctive palette saw it continue to be produced throughout the Qing dynasty.
A closely related example in the Nanjing Museum is illustrated in The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, p. 86; another from the collection of C.P. Lin was included in the exhibition Elegant Form and Harmonious Decoration, Percival David Foundation, London, 1992, cat. no. 121; two were sold in our New York rooms, one from the Ira and Nancy Koger collection, 27th November 1990, lot 46, the other, 11th September 2012, lot 260; and a pair of bowls was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 20th March 1990, lot 623, and again in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2007, lot 772.
A closely related example in the Nanjing Museum is illustrated in The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, p. 86; another from the collection of C.P. Lin was included in the exhibition Elegant Form and Harmonious Decoration, Percival David Foundation, London, 1992, cat. no. 121; two were sold in our New York rooms, one from the Ira and Nancy Koger collection, 27th November 1990, lot 46, the other, 11th September 2012, lot 260; and a pair of bowls was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 20th March 1990, lot 623, and again in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th April 2007, lot 772.