A RARE ANHUA 'PHOENIX' BOWL MING DYNASTY, JIAJING PERIOD

finely potted with steeply rounded sides and everted rim springing from a gently tapering foot, masterfully decorated on the interior with a lingzhi-shaped cloud in the centre, surrounded by two phoenix with outstretched wings and long curling tails rendered in anhua technique, the exterior left plain, covered overall with a smooth creamy white glaze

The rim has a 0.5 cm shallow filled rim frit that has discoloured and turned yellow. There is also a 0.5 cm potting flaw to the glaze on the inner footring. The anhua decoration is quite clear. Apart from some minor surface wear and occasional iron spots, the overall condition is very 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."

By the Jiajing period the ceremonial use of monochrome vessels was well established and high quality white wares produced at the Imperial kilns in Jingdezhen were employed for rituals such as ancestral worship. White is traditionally the colour of mourning in China and this tradition of using fine white glazed wares was instigated by the Yongle emperor (1403-1424) who held mourning ceremonies for the deceased Hongwu emperor in an attempt to legitimise his reign, for which white vessels were produced.

A closely related bowl from the Hellner collection is illustrated in L. Reidemeister, Ming Porzellane in Swedischen Sammlungen, Berlin, 1935, pl. 34b; and another was sold in these rooms, 15^th November 1988, lot 154. A larger bowl of this form and decoration was sold in these rooms, 29^th November 1977, lot 61; and another was sold at Christie's London, 6^th October 1975, lot 161.

For the inspiration of this bowl, see one attributed to the Yongle period, similarly decorated with a pair of phoenix in the anhua technique, illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 2, London, 1994, pl. 648; and another published in John Ayers, The Baur Collection, Geneva, Geneva, 1969, pl. A142.