A SMALL WUCAI ‘MANDARIN DUCKS’ BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF WANLI

with low rounded sides resting on a tapered foot, the exterior freely painted with pairs of mandarin ducks and other birds in a lotus pond among waterweeds, decorated to the interior with a central medallion enclosing four ruyi heads around a cash coin within line borders, the base with a six-character reign mark within a double circle

Collection of John E. Warmington (1900-70), until 1962.
Sotheby's London, 17th July 1962, lot 38 (£62).
Bluett & Sons Ltd, London, 1962 (£62).
Collection of Roger Pilkington (1928-69), from 1962 (£125).

The bowl is in good condition except for a polished area of 2.2 cm to the mouthrim, and a 'Y'-shaped star crack to the centre of the wall, the lines measuring approx. 1.2 and 1.5 cm respectively.
"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."

Miniature bowls painted with this ducks-and-lotus motif are rare, although a very similar example, also with a Wanli reign mark and of the period, was sold in our New York rooms, 15th September 2010, lot 240.

This motif of ducks swimming in pairs in a lotus pond enjoyed great popularity throughout the Ming dynasty, as it symbolises a harmonious marriage and the wish for many sons.