A FINELY CARVED CINNABAR LACQUER INSCRIBED BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG

of deep rounded form resting on a short foot and rising to a slightly everted rim, intricately undercut in red lacquer around the sides of the exterior with the poem Sanqing cha ('Three Purities Tea') composed by the Qianlong Emperor, reserved on a black leiwen ground, all set between bands of ruyi-head motifs around the mouth and the foot, the interior lacquered in gilt, carved to the base with a six-character seal mark

The bowl is generally in good condition overall. There are minute losses to a few of the characters, but this does not detract from the overall appearance. The interior has been relacquered (gold colour), and the foot has been lightly repainted.
"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."

See a similar bowl in the Victoria and Albert Museum, illustrated in Sir Harry M. Garner, Chinese Lacquer, London, 1979, pl.93; and a pair of bowls from the Tianjin Municipal Art Museum, illustrated in Zhongguo qiqi quanji, vol.6, Fuzhou, 1993, pl.211.

A related pair of bowls with the Sanqing cha poem in the Avery Brundage Collection is illustrated in Clarence F. Shangraw, 'Chinese Lacquers in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco' Orientations, April 1986, pl.41.

A pair of similar bowls was sold in these rooms, 1st May 2001, lot 678; and another 27th April 2003, lot 678.  Bowls inscribed with the Sanqing cha are also well-known in porcelain, decorated in blue-and-white or iron-red.  See an example of each, sold in these rooms 27th April 2003, lot 30 and 31.  For a full translation and explanation of the poem, see a jade bowl of the same design, sold in these rooms, 2nd May 2005, lot 526.