A LARGE MOULDED AND INCISED ‘PEONY’ BOWL QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD

the deep rounded sides resting on a straight foot, moulded to the exterior with large peony blooms borne on undulating leafy scrolls below a foliate band, the foot incised with a keyfret band, the interior incised with a central medallion enclosing a leafy peony spray, encircled by further peony scrolls below a keyfret border, wood stand

The bowl is in good condition with the exception of a restored 1.5cm., wide shallow rim chip and minor glaze scratches.
"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."

Three closely related bowls were sold in our Hong Kong rooms, the first, 21^st May 1979, lot 121, the second, 20^th May 1981, lot 807, and the third, 7^th May 2002, lot 600; another was sold in these rooms, 7^th December 1993, lot 273; and a further example was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 1^st June 2011, lot 3710. For the Yongzheng prototype, see one, from the W.W. Winkworth collection, sold in these rooms, 12^th December 1972, lot 166; and a smaller example, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, included in Qingdai yuyao ciqi, vol. 1, pt. 2, Beijing, 2005, pl. 106.

 

The scrolling flower motif is reminiscent of early 15^th century blue and white imperial porcelain, while the glaze has been made to imitate the celebrated Longquan celadon wares. By combining the two together, the potter has succeeded in creating a contemporary yet elegant bowl suited to the taste of its time. For a large Yongle basin of related form, decorated in cobalt with a similar peony scroll beneath a classic scroll border at the rim, see one from the collections of George Eumorfopoulos, Sir David Home, Bt., and the British Rail Pension Fund, sold in these rooms, 16^th May 1989, lot 15.