A FAUX-BOIS AND GILT-DECORATED BOWL SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

well potted with curved sides elegantly rising from a flat foot to a flaring mouthrim, the interior and the rim covered with an even layer of gilding, the exterior painted in different tones of reddish brown simulating wood with concentric knots and grain extending to the underside, the countersunk base inscribed in gilt with a six-character reign mark

There is a faint hairline crack of about 2.2 cm from the rim. Apart from some expected wear and scratches to the gilt-decorated interior, faux-bois exterior and foot, as well as the gilt-inscribed mark, the overall condition is quite good.
"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 Qianlong bowl of this form and decoration is illustrated in Ming Qing ciqi jianding, Hong Kong, 1993, pl. 149, where it is noted that these bowls were made in imitation of wooden bowls used by Tibetan lamas which were often lined in silver of silver-gilt. See also two related bowls sold in these rooms, 9^th October 2007, lot 1530, and 31^st October 2004, lot 224; and a slightly larger example of slightly shallower form published in R.L. Hobson, The Eumorphopoulos Collection, vol. 5, London, 1927, pl. LXXI, no. E440.