A FINE AND RARE COPPER-RED GLAZED BOWL MARK AND PERIOD OF XIANFENG |

of almost conical form with deep flaring sides raised on a short foot, the exterior covered with a luminous bright and even deep red glaze, the interior left white, inscribed to the white base with a six-character reign mark in underglaze blue

Collection of Tang Shaoyi (1862-1938), the first prime minister of the Republic of China.

The bowl is in good condition with just expected firing imperfections.
"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."

A similar bowl was included in the exhibition Imperial Porcelain of Late Qing from the Kwan Collection, Art Gallery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1983, cat. no. 89; and another was exhibited in The Wonders of the Potter's Palette, Qing Ceramics from the Collection of The Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1984, cat. no. 109.  Imperial wares with Xianfeng reign marks are rare. The Imperial kiln was burned down in the 5th year of the reign (1855) and not rebuilt until the Tongzhi period. For several years, the kilns were flooded and no production took place.