A PAIR OF FAMILLE-ROSE 'BOYS' BOWLS AND COVERS QING DYNASTY, DAOGUANG PERIOD

each finely painted around the exterior with a continuous scene of five boys at play in a garden, with one setting off firecrackers whilst others play instruments and another flies a kite, the base and top of the cover inscribed in iron-red enamel with the four-character mark Xiezhu zhuren zao (made by the Master of the Bamboo Flute) within a square (4)

One of the bowls has a restored U-form section running down from the rim to the base measuring approximately 7 cm wide, a polished chip to the foot ring, and a scratch to the enameled rockwork. Each item has scattered minor firing imperfections including burst glaze bubbles along the edges, and wear to the enamels.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare a very similar bowl and cover inscribed with a Daoguang seal mark in iron-red, formerly in the Yangzhitang Collection, sold at Christie's Singapore, 30th March 1997, lot 255. A Xiezhu zhuren zao mark also appears on a larger ogee-form bowl, also painted with boys at play, attributed to the Daoguang period, sold in our London rooms, 9th November 2011, lot 478.