An unusual 'famille-rose' bowl mark and period of Yongzheng

of shallow rounded form rising from a short foot to an everted rim, finely enamelled to the interior depicting a benevolent Shou Lao mounted on a deer, with a boy attendant beside presenting him with a large peach, and an iron-red bat hovering above, the exterior with five further bats, the base inscribed with the four-character mark within a double square  

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 29th October 2001, lot 609.

In good condition overall. The enamels are well preserved, and the glaze clean. There is slight bubbling to the surface of the white enamel, as a result of overfiring.
"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."

No other Yongzheng period bowl in this style with Shoulao in the centre appears to be published.

It is rare to find a Yongzheng mark and period famille-rose enameled bowl with figural subjects devoid of all background.  A dish and a bowl with similar figures on the exterior in the Palace Museum, both are set in a landscape; see  The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, vol. 38, Hong Kong, 1999, nos. 154 and 155. No other Yongzheng period bowl in this style with Shoulao in the centre appears to be published.