A FINE PAIR OF FAMILLE-ROSE 'BALSAM PEAR' BOWLS SEAL MARKS AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

each delicately potted with deep rounded sides rising from a short foot to an everted rim, the exterior finely enamelled with leafy bamboo shoots and a butterfly fluttering over a branch of blossoming and fruiting balsam pear, the branch extending over the rim and onto the interior, issuing further clusters of foliage and two balsam pears, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character seal mark

The overall condition of the pair is very good except for a few minor iron spots and trapped air bubbles. The enamels have been generally well preserved.
"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."

A pair of bowls of this type, from the Sir Percival David collection and now in the British Museum, London, is illustrated in Catalogue of Ch’ing Enamelled Wares, London, 1958, pl. 897; a bowl in the Musee Guimet, Paris, is included in Oriental Ceramics. The World Great Collections, vol. 7, Tokyo, 1981, pl. 91; another is published in the Illustrated Catalogue of Tokyo National Museum. Chinese Ceramics, vol. 2, Tokyo, 1980, pl. 660; and a further pair of bowls, from the Alfred Beit Foundation, was sold in our London rooms, 6th November 2013, lot 78.