YONGZHENG SIX-CHARACTER MARK IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE WITHIN A DOUBLE CIRCLE AND OF THE PERIOD (1722-1735)

Bowls of this pattern were produced during the 18th century and reflect the Imperial Court’s fascination for archaic bronze forms and motifs. Compare to a closely related bowl from Gulland Gift, illustrated by John Ayers, Far Eastern Ceramics in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1980, no. 211. See also a Yongzheng yellow ground bowl of same form and pattern, but with the dragons picked out in pale turquoise, from the Robert Chang Collection, sold at Christie’s New York, 21 March 2002, lot 222.