A Rare Famille-Verte 'Peach' Stembowl Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Period

raised on a tall stem tapering to meet the rounded sides gently flaring to a galleried rim, elegantly decorated around the exterior with a slender frieze with iron-red peaches among light green and cobalt blue leaves, all borne on a continuous undulating stem, the interior well adorned with a central medallion containing a pair of long-tailed birds, perched on two intertwining camellia branches amongst craggy rocks, lingzhi fungus and scrolling clouds, all painted in bright iron-red together with translucent enamels of green and yellow, over brilliant shades of underglaze blue, original lacquered leather box

Christie's Hong Kong, 30th May 2006, lot 1428.

The stembowl is in overall good condition, except for some kiln grits to the interior central medallion. There is also a minute stained burst bubble under the mouthrim on the exterior, as well as a tiny iron-red stain right above the foot.
"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."

Fluently painted with auspicious motifs such as ripe peaches, long-tailed birds and lingzhi fungus conveying the wish for longevity, this rare famille-verte stembowl displays the exquisite imperial taste of the Kangxi reign. Only a few examples are known, including one in the Nanjing Museum, published in Treasures in the Royalty: The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, p. 64, as well as one with cover in the collection of Musée Guimet, illustrated in La Chine des Porcelaines, Paris, 2004, pl. 38.