A CELADON-GLAZED FLORAL BOWL QIANLONG SEAL MARK AND PERIOD

the conical sides rising to a flared scalloped rim, lightly carved in the centre with curvy lines radiating from the central well, the underside similarly decorated, covered overall with a sea-green glaze thinning around the rim to reveal a white body, the base with a six-character Qianlong seal mark

Collection of E.T. Hall, inventory no. 542.
Christie's London, 7th June 2004, lot 243.

Qing Mark and Period Monochromes and Enamelled Wares, S. Marchant & Son, London, 1981, cat. no. 34.

The bowl is in excellent condition with the exception of some very light and short glaze scratches around the body. It should be noted that the glaze is of a slightly richer blue-green tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."

Qianlong bowls of this form are extremely rare although a similar bowl is illustrated in Treasures of the Royalty. The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, pp 339. For an earlier example, see a Yongzheng celadon-glazed bowl, from the Lundgren collection, illustrated in Osvald Siren, Kinas Konst Under Tre Artusenden, vol. II, Stockholm, 1943, fig. 618.

Bowls of this type were possibly inspired by Xuande celadon-glazed bowls with a foliate rim and carved petal design such as the piece illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Monochrome Porcelain, Hong Kong, 1999, pl. 170. The motif of large sun-like flower design with multiple radiating points is a design also found on earlier wares, see a Liao dynasty bowl from the Mengdiexuan collection included in the exhibition Noble Riders from the Pines and Deserts, Art Museum, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2004, pl. VII:24, together with another Liao bowl, VII:25.