A RARE SMALL FAMILLE-ROSE AND PINK-ENAMELLED BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

of delicately potted hemispherical form supported on a tapered foot, finely painted on the white interior with rose-pink cherries, purplish-blue plums, and other fruits in shades of green and yellow, all scattered loosely on the interior, the exterior covered in a bright carnation-pink enamel, the white base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within a single ring

Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, The British Museum, London, 1994.

Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, 1994-2010, vol. 2, no. 957.

There is a 2.5 cm hairline from the rim. The enamels are in good condition with only some light wear to the interior. The overall condition is quite good. The actual colour is quite close to the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Bowls of this type began to be made in the last years of the Kangxi reign and are among the earliest famille-rose pieces, which used the newly introduced rose-pink and puce enamels. The present design, with its depiction of fruit inside, perhaps meant to evoke the healthy, aromatic infusions that are flavoured with dried fruit and spices, is better known from cups with more straight conical sides and a wider base, dating from the Kangxi reign; see, for example, a pair from the collection of Paul and Helen Bernat, sold in these rooms, 15th November 1988, lot 49; or a pair from the collection of T.Y Chao, sold in these rooms, 29th November 1977, lot 155 and again 18th November 1986, lot 131. The present shape is unusual for cups of this type, with painted decoration inside, and better known from monochrome pieces such as the turquoise bowl in the Meiyintang collection, lot 2.