A FINE FAMILLE-ROSE 'BALSAM PEAR' BOWL SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG |

with deep rounded sides rising from a straight foot to an everted rim, finely enamelled with a balsam pear vine twisting around the exterior suspending ripe fruit bursting with seeds and issuing verdant leaves and pale yellow blossoms, bamboo shoots rising to one side of the vine and a butterfly fluttering nearby, the motif repeated on the interior, the base with a six-character seal mark in underglaze blue

Collection of Malcolm Mackintosh, and thence by descent.

Good overall condition with just small areas of wear to the glaze on the interior (largest approx 1.5cm)
"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 Musée Guimet, Paris, is published 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. Malcolm Mackintosh worked for Butterfield and Swire in China and returned to the UK circa 1932.