A FINE DOUCAI 'EIGHT-IMMORTAL EMBLEMS' BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

well potted with gently rounded everted sides rising from a small tapered foot, decorated on the exterior in soft tones of underglaze blue and brilliant enamels with the emblems of the Eight Immortals (baxian), tied with billowing ribbons alternately iron-red and green, between a border of interlinked elongated 'C' motifs in underglaze blue around the rim, and a border of yellow and red ruyi heads skirting the base, linked by simple foliate elements, the interior with a leafy cluster of two shaded iron-red and yellow peaches, within a double ring repeated at the rim, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six character reign mark within double circles

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 13th November 1990, lot 340.

Apart from a couple of pinholes and very minor specks at the rim, the bowl is in overall very good condition.
"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."

The restrained use of colour and elegant decoration on the present bowl are characteristic of fine Yongzheng doucai porcelain.  A pair of bowls of this type was included in the exhibition Ch’ing Porcelain from the Wah Kwong Collection, The Art Gallery, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1973, cat. no. 89; another is illustrated in The Tsui Museum of Art. Chinese Ceramics IV, Hong Kong, 1995, pl. 139; and a third bowl was sold three times in these rooms, 14^th November 1983, lot 159, again 13^th November 1990, lot 340; and most recently, 30^th October 2000, lot 164.