A RARE LARGE AUBERGINE-GLAZED BARBED NARCISSUS BOWL IMPRESSED SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

the shallow lobed sides divided into eight bracket foliations rising to a barbed everted rim, all supported on three low arched feet, the exterior walls picked out with small bosses resembling rivets, richly applied overall save for the underside of the feet with a deep glossy aubergine glaze of vibrant purple tone thinning to white along the rim edges, possibly imitating early lacquerware or Jun ware, the base impressed with a six-character seal mark beneath the glaze

Collection formed before the 1930s in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.  

Apart from the original kiln grits visible on the interior, the overall condition is quite good. There may be an old polished chip to the end of one foot on the underside. The glaze is very glossy. The contour is slightly warped. 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."

This piece is outstanding for its large size, of which few examples are known; see one covered in a Jun-type glaze sold in our London rooms, 7^th June 1988, lot 341. Although these vessels are approximately a third larger than the more common smaller variety, the glossy deep-purple glaze, also an unusual yet striking feature, endows the piece with the elegance characteristic of Yongzheng period wares.  Yongzheng narcissus bowls of this form are known in a variety of Song-inspired glazes and with ruyi-head feet; for example, one created in imitation of Jun glaze, in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, is included in Qingdai danseyou ciqi, Taipei, 1981, pl. 84; another from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, is illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Monochrome Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 178; and a third bowl was sold in our London rooms, 7^thJune 1988, lot 341.

 

The Yongzheng emperor’s admiration for antiques is revealed through the form of this narcissus bowl which follows after Jun prototypes of the Song and early Ming periods. The prominence of such antique vessels in the palace is evidenced in a painting from a series of twelve court beauties created for Prince Yinzhen (who later became the Yongzheng emperor), where a young lady is depicted within an interior which features a plant in a Jun jardinière and narcissus bowl of this form, from the Palace Museum, Beijing, included in the exhibition China. The Three Emperors, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2005, cat. no. 173 (bottom right).