A VERY RARE PAIR OF MOULDED WHITE-GLAZED BOWLS YONGZHENG SEAL MARKS AND PERIOD

each with deep rounded sides rising from a short foot to a slightly flaring rim, moulded to the exterior with five separate prunus blossoms and buds in various stages of maturity, covered overall with a transparent white glaze, the base slip-decorated with a four-character Yongzheng mark

Both bowls are in excellent condition. One bowl has a 0.3cm scratch to the well near the bottom, a minute bump (raised) on the exterior rim and extremely minor glaze firing imperfections such as burst glaze bubbles and iron spots. The other bowl has very minor glaze firing imperfections such as minimal burst glaze bubbles, an iron spot on the prunus flower bud to the exterior, and another burst glaze bubble near it.
"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."

Exquisitely moulded with flower petals and blooms that have been subtly accentuated with slip-painted details, these bowls epitomise the fine craftsmanship and reserved elegance of design characteristic of the Yongzheng style. In both design and type, no other closely related piece appears to have been published.

In glaze and technique, this bowl may have been inspired by the celebrated Ding ware of the Song dynasty (960-1279). The warm tone of the white glaze is consistent with that of Ding ware and the charming flower heads are reminiscent of the crisp linearity of the finest of Ding moulded vessels. For a Ding dish moulded with a band of flower heads encircling the well, and two phoenixes in flight in the centre, see one illustrated in Sekai toji zenshu, vol. 10, Tokyo, 1955, pl. 77.

The slip-inscribed Yongzheng mark on these bowls are rare; see a pair of Qingbai-type stemcups moulded in the interior with a pair of phoenix and glazed overall in pale blue, similarly inscribed with four character Yongzheng seal mark, and of the period, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 10^th April 2010, lot 1926.