A FINE DOUCAI 'FLORAL' DISH MARK AND PERIOD OF YONGZHENG

finely potted with shallow everted sides supported on a straight foot, brightly painted in tones of iron-red, yellow and green enamels within underglaze blue outlines, the interior centred by a shou symbol wreathed in a floral garland of alternating pomegranate and suspended bouquets of florets and chrysanthemum, all divided and enclosed by interlaced strapworks within a double-line border repeated at the rim, the underside similarly decorated with lush clusters of composite flowers enclosed in strapwork frames formed of interlinked foliate scrolls, between double lines encircling the rim and foot, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with a six-character reign mark within double circles

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28th April 1992, lot 212.

The dish 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 present piece is notable for the elegant design of stylised foliage and flower sprays which perfectly complements the form and hue of the celadon glaze. A closely related stem dish, from the collection of Mrs. Frances Collins, was sold in our New York rooms, 23^rd October 1976, lot 270; another was sold in our London rooms, 24^th July 1973, lot 413; and a third example was sold twice at Christie’s Hong Kong, 8^th October 1990, lot 470, and 27^th May 2009, lot 1891. Compare also a Qianlong stem dish of this form, but without the moulded decoration, sold in these rooms, 9^th October 2012, lot 3045.

For the blue and white version of this dish, see lot 3104 in the present sale.